Moeen Ali Takes 'Short Break' From Cricket After Ashes Snub

Moeen has been replaced by Somerset left-arm spinner Jack Leach for the Lord's Test while his county Worcestershire has confirmed that he will now take a ‘short break from action’

After getting ousted from the 2^nd Ashes Test against Australia, English all-rounder Moeen Ali has decided to take a ‘short break’ from cricket. The 32-year-old was axed after scoring nought and four in England's first Test defeat at Edgbaston. Moeen also struggled with his off-spin, taking three wickets for 172 runs across Australia's two innings, failing to take advantage of a pitch that ought to have suited him. He has been replaced by Somerset left-arm spinner Jack Leach for the Lord's Test while his county Worcestershire has confirmed that he will now take a ‘short break from action’. “Mo[een] is spending a little time away from the middle recharging his batteries and putting in some quality practice time which he feels he needs, and we completely respect,” Worcestershire first-team coach Alex Gidman told the club's website on Tuesday.

Moeen Ali is taking a short break from action after a hectic and high intensity period of international cricket before returning to play 👇https://t.co/Ia5Go4xnHH

— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) August 13, 2019

“He has had an intense schedule of international cricket involving the ICC World Cup and the start of the Ashes. “Mo loves playing for Worcestershire and he gives a lift to everyone in the dressing room when he comes back and plays for us. We look forward to when he returns soon.” Moeen is the world's leading Test wicket-taker over the past 12 months, with 48 scalps in 10 matches at an average of 25.27. However, he has struggled for form in recent outings and was dropped during the World Cup over concerns about his batting. In Tests, he has registered seven single-figure scores in his past nine innings, with his career average dipping below 30.