Moeen Ali returns from retirement, added to England Ashes squad

LONDON: Spin bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali has been added to the England Men’s Test squad for the first two Ashes Tests, starting at Edgbaston on June 16.

The 35-year-old replaces Jack Leach, who was withdrawn from the original 16-player squad on Sunday after sustaining a low back stress fracture, which rules him out of the five-match Ashes Test series.

Moeen Ali, who retired from Test cricket at the end of the 2021 summer, has reversed his decision following discussions with Test Captain Ben Stokes, Test Head Coach Brendon McCullum and Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket Rob Key.

The Birmingham-born off-spinner will be looking to add to his 64 Test caps. Moeen Ali has played 64 Tests so far, picking up 195 wickets and scoring 2914 runs and will be looking to better the stats.

He will celebrate his 36th birthday during the first Test at Edgbaston on 18 June.

“We reached out to Mo (Moeen Ali) early this week about returning to Test cricket. Having had a couple of days to reflect, Mo is excited to join the squad and play Test cricket again,” said Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket in a statement issued by England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday.

“His vast experience, along with his all-around ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign.

We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well for the Ashes campaign,” he added.

Moeen Ali has played 64 Tests so far, picking up 195 wickets and scoring 2914 runs and will be looking to better the stats. The Birmingham-born off-spinner will be looking to add to his 64 Test caps.

He will celebrate his 36th birthday during the first Test at Edgbaston on 18 June.

The England party will report to Birmingham on Monday 12 June. They are due to practice at Edgbaston from Tuesday 13 June.

England Men’s Ashes Test Squad:

Ben Stokes (Captain), Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson

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