After Jack Leach was ruled out with a lower back stress fracture, England all-rounder Moeen Ali is considering making a comeback to test cricket before the Ashes 2023 match against Australia. Moeen who retired in September has been offered a way back by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. The 35-year-old off-spinner recently won the title with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023.
As per multiple reports, England all-rounder Moeen Ali is considering a retirement U-turn as Jack Leach was ruled out due to injury. The 35-year-old, who announced his retirement from the most extended format of the game in September 2021, is said to have been contacted by England skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum over a potential return to test cricket.
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Moeen, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings’ squad that went on to win the 2021 and 2023 Indian Premier League, has been given some time to decide. The 35-year-old made his test debut in 2014 and scored 2,914 runs in 64 tests at an average of 28.29, picking up 195 wickets with his off-spin.
England is seeking a replacement for Leach, who was ruled out after the Ireland Test. It is yet another injury blow given Jofra Archer’s prolonged absence from injury.
Let’s say Moeen declines the offer this time. If so, consideration will be given to fellow spinning all-rounders Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, and Liam Livingstone, who left that tour after suffering a knee injury in the first Test and both got five-wicket hauls in Pakistan. Liam Dawson of Hampshire, a left-arm spinner and capable hitter, is another outside chance.
The Ashes get underway at Edgbaston on June 16.
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