Experienced spinner returns to England’s Test squad

Moeen, who had retired from the longer format in 2021, reversed his decision following discussions with Test captain Ben Stokes, Head Coach Brendon McCullum and Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket Rob Key.

He replaces Jack Leach, who was ruled out of the five-match series after sustaining a low back stress fracture.

“We reached out to Mo (Moeen Ali) early this week about returning to Test cricket,” said Key.

“Having had a couple of days to reflect, Mo is excited to join the squad and play Test cricket again. His vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign.

We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well for the Ashes campaign.”

Moeen has played 64 Tests so far, picking up 195 wickets and scoring 2914 runs and will be looking to better the stats.

England will reach Birmingham on 12 June, beginning practice at Edgbaston from 13 June. The first Test will begin from Friday, 16 June.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Joe Root, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Dan Lawrence, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, Moeen Ali