Moeen Ali, a Warwickshire spin-bowling all-rounder, has been named to England’s Men’s Test squad for the first two Ashes Tests against Australia, which begin on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Edgbaston.
He takes the place of Somerset’s Jack Leach, who was pulled from the original 16-man squad on Sunday due to a low back stress fracture that will keep him out of the five-match Ashes Test series.
Ali, 35, who had planned to retire from Test cricket at the end of the 2021 summer, has reconsidered his decision after meetings with Test Captain Ben Stokes, Test Head Coach Brendon McCullum, and England Men’s Cricket Managing Director Rob Key.
The off-spinner from Birmingham will be seeking to add to his 64 Test caps. He has 2,914 Test runs to his name and 195 Test wickets. He will turn 36 years old for the first Test at Edgbaston on June 18.
“We reached out to Mo (Moeen Ali) early this week about returning to Test cricket,” said Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket. Mo is looking forward to rejoining the squad and playing Test cricket again after a few days of reflection. His extensive experience, combined with his all-round skill, will enhance our Ashes campaign.
We wish Mo and the rest of the team well in the Ashes.
On Monday, June 12, the England delegation will report to Birmingham. They will begin practising at Edgbaston on Tuesday, June 13th.
