Moeen Ali announces Test return, to feature in Ashes: Details
In a major development, star England all-rounder Moeen Ali has come out of retirement in Test cricket. Reportedly, the 35-year-old has been added to England's squad for the first two Ashes Tests. The news comes a day after the reports of Moeen considering a Test return started doing rounds. Notably, Moeen retired from the longest format at the end of the 2021 summer.
Why does this story matter?
The inclusion of Moeen gives England a boost ahead of the all-important Ashes. Moeen adds depth to the batting order, while his bowling (off-spin) has always been a boon. Earlier, an ESPNcricinfo report confirmed that the England all-rounder was approached by the management to consider a comeback. It happened after Jack Leach was ruled out of the Ashes with a back stress fracture.
Moeen retired from Tests in 2021
Moeen announced his retirement from Test cricket in September 2021. The England all-rounder had taken the step to prolong his white-ball career. Moeen continued to represent England in limited-overs cricket and play franchise cricket thereafter. Notably, Moeen has represented England in 64 Test matches as of now. He last appeared in whites against India at The Oval in 2021.
A look at his Test stats
Moeen made his Test debut in 2014 against Sri Lanka at Lord's. He became England's premier spinning all-rounder, especially away from home. He has amassed 2,914 runs at an average of 28.29 in the format. The tally also includes 5 hundreds and 14 fifties. Moeen also owns 195 wickets with the best match haul of 10/112. He has 5 five-wicket hauls and one 10-for.
Double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets
In 2017, Ali became the fifth-fastest to register the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket (31 matches). He reached the landmark in fewer Tests than the legendary English all-rounder Ian Botham. Moeen achieved the milestone against South Africa at The Lord's. He took six wickets in the final innings and was adjudged the Player of the Match.
250 runs and 20 wickets in a series
Moeen holds the record for scoring 250 runs and taking 20 wickets in a single Test series. He scored 252 runs and picked up 25 wickets in the four-match series against South Africa (2017). Batting average: 36.00, bowling average: 15.64.
A historic hat-trick in 2017
In 2017, Moeen became England's first spinner in 79 years to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. He accomplished the milestone during England's third Test against South Africa. The English all-rounder dismissed Dean Elgar, Kagiso Rabada, and Morne Morkel to complete his hat-trick. Moeen became the first English spinner since Tom Goddard in 1938 to have done this.
Moeen has been playing around the globe
Since retiring from Tests, Moeen has played around the world. He was part of England's T20 World Cup title-winning campaign in 2022. Moeen also starred as Chennai Super Kings won the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2021 and 2023. During the period, Moeen returned to his home county, Warwickshire, from Worcestershire. He has been captaining their T20 side, Birmingham Bears, in the Vitality Blast.
Moeen's bowling has been impressive
While Moeen's batting has plunged, his bowling form has been enticing the team management. The left-handed batter scored just 124 runs but took nine wickets at an impressive 21.67 in IPL 2023. "I think I've got to have that mindset of still bowling with that same energy as I would have done in Test matches," Moeen told ESPNcricinfo during the tournament.
