Moeen Ali has been called up to England’s Test team for the current series against India. The all-rounder looks prepared to play a part in the 2nd Test match which gets underway on Thursday (14th August) at Lord’s.
Moeen Ali has been in overbearing form in the shorter formats. The Worcestershire all-rounder is going down a successful IPL campaign with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and has as well carried his stellar form into the Current tournament – The Hundred – for his side, the Birmingham Phoenix.
Although, Moeen has only played one Test match in the last 2-years, which came against India in Chennai earlier before this year.
Moeen’s inclusion is England’s effort to try and strike the proper balance in their side. With Moeen, they could mainly hit 2 targets with one arrow. Not only would they have the resolution to their batting all-rounder problem but it would have further give them the option of a 5th bowler; more importantly, a spinner.
In his presser this evening, here’s what England skipper Joe Root had to say regarding Moeen’s recall:
“He’s got capabilities with bat and ball, and that’s why he’s been called into the squad. Albeit the shorter format he’s in imperious form at the minute, playing with great confidence. We know what he’s capable of in a Test arena. We’ve seen it before, capable of scoring big hundreds, winning games with the ball, he’s a fine cricketer.”
Welcome back, Mo! 👋
🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 10, 2021
Moeen’s a great ambassador for cricket: Joe Root
The English caption went on to admit Moeen’s performance against Thursday’s opponents in Chennai before this year after admitting that he was a “huge fan” of the left-hander.
On being requested if he felt any regret about the fact that a crickter of Moeen’s caliber has not played a National Test match since the 2019 Ashes, here’s what Root had to tell:
“We’re trying to manage things as best as we can over a period of time. I’ve always been a huge fan of Mo and I think he’s a wonderful cricketer, across the formats. He’s a great ambassador for the game and it’s great to see him back in the Test squad. It was a brilliant performance he put in, in Chennai. It’s nice to see him back around. If he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be desperate to impress and show everyone how good he is, in Test cricket as well as white ball cricket.”
Confirmation that Moeen Ali has been added to the @englandcricket Test squad for @HomeOfCricket.
Do you think he should play? #bbccricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Ore6llmaD8
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 10, 2021