England have recalled all-rounder Moeen Ali for the 2nd Test against India, starting from August 12 (Thursday) at Lord’s in London. Incidentally, the hosts were unable to find a place for a frontline spinner in the team that drew the first Test.
Moeen is expected to join up with the squad at training today (Tuesday) as England attempt to balance a side missing key all-rounder Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes. While Moeen has only played one first-class game in the last 23 months, he has been in fine form in the white-ball game. He hit a 23-ball half-century for Birmingham Phoenix on Monday night.
Moeen Ali has been recalled to the England squad and looks set to play in the second #ENGvIND Test at Lord's
More details 👉 https://t.co/330qGO4L9m pic.twitter.com/K9UDeu5N4u
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 10, 2021
The call-up means that Moeen Ali is set to play his first Test on home soil since the 2019 Ashes, when he featured in England’s defeat in the series opener at Edgbaston, then took an indefinite break from the format, for the remainder of the series as well as the subsequent tours of New Zealand and South Africa.
Moeen Ali in consideration for the playing XI: Chris Silverwood
England head coach Chris Silverwood has said that all-rounder Moeen Ali is “certainly” under consideration for the second Test against India.
“Moeen is certainly under consideration. He’s always been part of our consideration. So that’s something that Joe and I are going to chat about at Lord’s,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Silverwood as saying.
“We know he is a fine cricketer and we know he is showing fine form in the Hundred at the moment, though I appreciate it’s a different format,” he added.
So far, Moeen Ali has claimed 189 wickets at 36.24 in 61 Test matches, at a 60 strike rate of below 60. He enjoys an outstanding record against India at home, scalping 31 wickets at 22.22 across seven previous matches in 2014 and 2018, including a Player-of-the-Match-winning nine-wicket haul at the Ageas Bowl.