England has added Moeen Ali, who retired from Test cricket in September 2021, to their squad for the first two Ashes Tests against Australia, starting at Edgbaston on Friday 16 June, live on Sky Sports. The all-rounder has not played first-class cricket since his retirement from the international red-ball game, but he has agreed to return, replacing Jack Leach, who has been ruled out with a stress fracture of the lower back. At 35 years old, Moeen is expected to play in the opening game at Edgbaston, which will be his first red-ball appearance since September 2021.
Rob Key, managing director of England men’s cricket, stated that they reached out to Moeen early this week about returning to Test cricket, and after reflecting on it, he is excited to join the squad. “His vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign,” Key said. “We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well.”
Although Moeen has a poor Test record against Australia with the ball, his average of 64.65 in 11 matches versus the Baggy Greens is significantly higher than his career Test bowling average of 36.66. However, he brings a total of 195 wickets and over 2,900 runs from 64 Tests to an England side that is aiming to win The Ashes for the first time since 2015.
Other options for England included 18-year-old leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed and off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks, both of whom played in Pakistan over the winter, as well as left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, who last featured in Test cricket in 2017. However, Moeen was sounded out for a comeback by head coach Brendon McCullum ahead of the 3-0 series sweep in Pakistan but opted to stay in retirement at that stage.
Speaking on Monday, Stuart Broad, England seam bowler, said about Moeen: “We know Mo is a phenomenal cricketer. He is someone who would fit into Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s philosophy beautifully. He’s a mighty fine cricketer.” Hussain also expressed confidence in Moeen, saying he was a very good cricketer with a fine average in the last couple of years of his Test match career. However, there were concerns about him, given his lack of first-class cricket experience in recent times.
After the Edgbaston Test, England will face Australia at Lord’s (June 28-July 2), Headingley (July 6-10), Emirates Old Trafford (July 19-23), and The Kia Oval (July 27-31).
In conclusion, England has added Moeen Ali to their squad for the first two Ashes Tests against Australia as a replacement for the injured Jack Leach. This is a significant development as Moeen had earlier announced his retirement from Test cricket in September 2021. The all-rounder has a wealth of international experience, having played in 64 Tests, claiming 195 wickets and over 2,900 runs. While his Test average against Australia is not that impressive, England is likely to benefit from his all-round ability, which will play an important part in their strategy to win The Ashes.
