England veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali has come out of Test retirement and has been added to the squad for the first two Ashes matches against Australia, starting June 16 at Edgbaston. Ali will replace Jack Leach, who has been ruled out of the original squad due to a low back stress fracture. The England-based all0rpunder earlier announced retirement in 2021 from the red ball format but then he reconsidered his retirement and decided to come back again. This was possible only after discussions with England Test captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, and Managing Director of England Men's Cricket Rob Key.
The 35-year-old has played 64 Test matches and has collected 2914 runs and taken 195 wickets. Moeen will also be celebrating his 36th birthday while taking part in the first Test at Edgbaston on June 18.
"We reached out to Mo (Moeen Ali) early this week about returning to Test cricket. Having had a couple of days to reflect, Mo is excited to join the squad and play Test cricket again," stated Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket.
"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."
The England team will be reaching Birmingham on June 12 and will be starting their practice at Edgbaston from June 13.
England's Ashes squad: Ben Stokes (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
England's Schedule:
1st Test: England v Australia, 16-20 June, Edgbaston, Birmingham
2nd Test: England v Australia, 28 June-2 July, Lord’s, London
3rd Test: England v Australia, 6-10 July, Headingley, Leeds
4th Test: England v Australia, 19-23 July, Old Trafford, Manchester
5th Test: England v Australia, 27-31 Oval, London