Moeen Ali answers SOS call from ECB, reverses test retirement to play in Ashes

On Monday, Ali confirmed he had been asked to consider a potential call-up following an injury to Jack Leach, reported ESPNcricinfo. Leach has a lower-back stress fracture after it was revealed in the scans following England’s 10-wicket win over Ireland at Lord’s.

After discussions with Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, and Rob Key — England’s captain, coach, and managing director respectively — the ECB announced on 7 June morning that Ali has agreed to return to Test cricket once again. Ali will play for the first two Ashes Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

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“We reached out to Mo early this week about returning to Test cricket,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Key as saying, adding, “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. We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well for the Ashes campaign,” Key added.

Though there were other contenders — Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks — to fill the vacancy created by Leach’s injury, Ali was added to the squad.

Since he announced his retirement in September 2021 after England’s series against India, Ali has not played a first-class match.

After his retirement, Ali won the T20 World Cup with England and two IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings.

Updated: 07 Jun 2023, 04:57 PM IST