Moeen Ali answers England’s call to end retirement for Ashes after Jack Leach injury
Moeen Ali will step out of retirement from Test cricket to play for England in this summer's Ashes series.
The 35-year-old, who retired from Test cricket in 2021, was contacted by captain Ben Stokes after an injury to spinner Jack Leach.
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The ECB has confirmed Moeen will be added to the 16-man squad for the five-match series against Australia, which starts on June 18.
Rob Key, managing director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “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.
“We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well for the Ashes campaign.”
First-choice spinner Leach was recently ruled out of the entire Ashes series due to a stress-fracture in his lower back.
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After taking a few days to ponder the decision, Moeen will now be looking to add to his 64 Test caps, 195 wickets and five Test centuries.
He is likely to bat at eight, with Jonny Bairstow returning at seven after recovering from a broken leg.
Reacting to the news, double-Ashes winner Steve Harmison said: "I think it's the right move.
"It's the best move for the team in so many ways. His experience, he understands what it takes to play Ashes cricket and what's going on.
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"It would be unfair on someone like Will Jacks or Rehan Ahmed. They had their debuts in the winter in Pakistan, but this is different.
"This is Ashes cricket and this is what England need."
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