According to reports in British media, all-rounder Moeen Ali of England is contemplating a return to Test cricket ahead of England’s next match against Australia in the Ashes. This comes after spinner Jack Leach was ruled out with a lower back stress fracture.
The 35-year-old player, who stated that he will retire from the longest format of the game in September 2021, is rumored to have been approached about the possibility of making a comeback to Test cricket by the captain of the England team, Ben Stokes, as well as coach Brendon McCullum.
Moeen, a member of the Chennai Super Kings team that went on to win the 2021 and 2023 editions of the Indian Premier League, is claimed to have been given some time to make a choice, according to reports from British media.
Moeen made his debut in a test match in 2014 and has played in a total of 64 matches, scoring 2,914 runs and averaging 28.29 while scooping up 195 wickets with his off-spin bowling.
The injury to Leach was the most recent setback to England’s bowling department in the lead-up to the series; fast bowler Jofra Archer has also been ruled out owing to an elbow injury. As a result, England is looking to find a replacement for Leach.
The first day of the Ashes will be played on June 16 at Edgbaston.