England spin bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali has come out of Test retirement and will now join the squad for the first two games of the upcoming Ashes Tests against Australia, starting from June 16.
Moeen has replaced spinner Jack Leach, who was ruled out of the Ashes series from the original 16-player England squad on Sunday after sustaining a low back stress fracture.
“Warwickshire spin-bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali has been added to the England Men’s Test squad for the first two Men’s Ashes Test matches against Australia starting at Edgbaston on Friday 16 June 2023,” England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement on Wednesday.
Moeen, 35, who had retired from Test cricket at the end of the 2021 summer, reversed his call after discussions with Engalnd Test skipper Ben Stokes, Test Head Coach Brendon McCullum and Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket Rob Key.
“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. His vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign,” Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket said.
Moeen has so far, featured 64 Tests for England, scoring 2,914 Test runs beside picking up 195 wickets.
Interestingly, Moeen will turn 36 during the first Test at Edgbaston on June 16.
As of now, hosts England is scheduled to report in Birmingham on Monday and are due to practice at Edgbaston from June 13.