England recalls Moeen Ali for Ashes squad for the first two Tests

England recalls Moeen Ali for the Ashes squad for the first two Tests!

England all-rounder Moeen Ali stepped away from the game’s longest format in September 2021 to focus on limited-overs cricket.

However, Moeen Ali has reversed his retirement from Test cricket following discussions with Test captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and ECB men’s managing director Rob Key.

He has been added to England’s Ashes squad after answering an SOS call from the team’s management.

The England cricket board (ECB) said on Wednesday, that Ali has been added to the Ashes squad for the first two Tests after spinner Jack Leach was ruled out of the series.

“We reached out to Mo 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. His vast experience, along with his all-around ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign,” said ECB men’s managing director Rob Key.

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

Moeen is the second Warwickshire cricketer in the squad, along with Chris Woakes.

Moeen has played 64 Test matches.

Set to turn 36 on June 18, Mo needs 86 runs and five wickets to become the fourth from England (after Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, and Stuart Broad) and 16th overall to do the 3,000-run-200 wicket double in Test cricket.

England squad for 2023 Men’s Ashes: 

Ben Stokes (c), Ollie Pope (vc & wk), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Matty Potts, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Moeen Ali

Ashes 2023 schedule:

Edgbaston, Birmingham (June 16-20); Lord’s, London (June 28-July 2); Headingley, Leeds (July 6-10); Old Trafford, Manchester (July 19-23); Kia Oval, London (July 27-31)