England have announced the names of their 16-member squad for the first two Ashes Tests, beginning on June 16 onwards. The surprise inclusion in the team is all-rounder Moeen Ali, who hung up his gloves in 2021.
Lady luck is with Moeen; he is picked in place of Jack Leach’s injury. He is ruled out for the entire Ashes series. Leach, the slow left-armer, developed a back injury during England’s solitary Test against Ireland last week.
Ali, 35, decided to reverse his decision following a marathon discussion with current captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum, and managing director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key.
The veteran off-spinner will celebrate his 36th birthday during the first Test at Edgbaston on June 18.
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “We talked to Moeen early this week about playing Test cricket again. 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.”
The England team will start their practice session at Edgbaston from Tuesday, June 13.
England Men’s Ashes Test Squad: Ben Stokes (Durham) Captain, Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Worcestershire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham)