Last Update: June 07, 2023, 13:22 IST
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Moeen Ali included in England’s Ashes squad (Reuters)
Moeen Ali has been included in the England squad for the first two Ashes Tests against Australia, marking his return to Test cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement that Moeen Ali had been included in England’s squad for the Ashes against Australia to make his return to Test cricket.
Rob Key, managing director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “We reached out to Mo (Moeen Ali) earlier this week about his return to Test cricket. After a few days to reflect, Mo will join the team and re- Excited to play Test cricket, his vast experience and all-round ability will benefit our Ashes campaign.
“We wish Mo and the rest of the team the best of luck for their Ashes campaign.”
Spinner Jack Leach was replaced by Moeen Ali who was ruled out with a stress fracture in his lower back.
The Birmingham-born off-spinner would be looking to add to his 64 Test caps. He has scored 2,914 Test runs and taken 195 wickets at the Test level. He will celebrate his 36th birthday on June 18 during the first Test at Edgbaston.
The 35-year-old, who announced his retirement from the longest format of the game in September 2021, is said to have been approached by England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum over a possible return to Test cricket.
Moeen made his Test debut in 2014 and scored 2,914 runs in 64 Tests at an average of 28.29 and took 195 wickets with his off-spin.
In the build-up to the series, England’s bowling department was also decimated by an elbow injury to fast bowler Jofra Archer.
The Ashes series will begin on June 16 at Edgbaston. The England party will report to Birmingham on Monday 12 June. He is to practice at Edgbaston from Tuesday 13 June.
England Ashes team:
- Ben Stokes (C)
- James Anderson
- Johnny Bairstow
- stuart broad
- harry brook
- zak crawley
- ben duckett
- and Lawrence
- Jack Leach
- Ollie Pope
- Matthew Potts
- Ollie Robinson
- Joe Root
- passion tongue
- Chris Woakes
- mark wood
Ash Schedule:
First Test: 16-20 June, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Second Test: 28 June-2 July, Lord’s, London
Third Test: 6-10 July, Headingley, Leeds
Fourth Test: 19-23 July Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Fifth Test: 27-31 Kia Oval, London
(with inputs from agencies)
