England has recalled retired spinner Moeen Ali after a hiatus lasting almost two years in order to replace Jack Leach for the first two Ashes Tests.
Leach is the latest member of England’s bowling attack to be struck down by injury after suffering a stress fracture in his back, and a dearth of spin options left the Three Lions looking towards the veteran 36-year-old Ali.
“We reached out to Mo early this week about returning to Test cricket,” England’s cricket boss Rob Key said in a statement on Wednesday.
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“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.”
Ali’s selection comes just one day after Australian great Ian Chappell slammed the prospect of his return to the Test side.
“I don’t understand England when it comes to spin bowling, because Jack Leach is not the answer, not against Australia, and I don’t think Moeen Ali is, either,” the ex-Australian captain told Wide World of Sports.
“So I would have thought the Australians would be over the moon if they picked Moeen Ali … It’s got nothing to do with the retirement; he doesn’t get Australians out. So, unless he’s improved as an off-spin bowler, I don’t see why they’re turning to him.
“(England’s depth) is not very good. If you’re relying on Jack Leach as your main spinner — he might be fine against the minor nations, but anyone who can play spin really should make mince meat of Jack Leach … Have a look at his record against Australia; it’s no good. So, why you would go there I don’t understand.”
Ali has struggled mightily with the ball against Australia throughout his career, picking up 20 wickets across 11 Ashes Tests at a whopping bowling average of 64.65.
The left-hander’s inclusion will however beef up what is already a strong English batting line-up, with Ali having hit five Test centuries in 64 appearances.
FULL ENGLISH ASHES SQUAD FOR FIRST TWO TESTS: Ben Stokes (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
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