Moeen Ali has been added to the English squad for the second Test against India, slated to take place at Lord’s, from Thursday, 12 August. Moeen last played a home Test match in the 2019 Ashes.
The absence of Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes has been a matter of concern for England. They decided to play an extra batter as their frontline spinner Jack Leach warmed the bench. Moeen, an off-spin-bowling all-rounder, is likely to get a nod ahead of Leach in the second Test match.
Moeen’s last appearance for England in Test cricket came a few months ago, in the second Test match against India, in Chennai. He claimed eight wickets and made 49 in that game, albeit in a losing cause. He then decided to fly back to England owing to personal reasons.
Moeen has so far played 61 Tests and picked up 189 wickets for England. Against India, he has 31 wickets at a terrific average of just over 22.
Moeen is currently in fine touch for Birmingham Phoenix. He scored a 23-ball half-century against Welsh Fire just a day ago.