London/UNI: England spin bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali has come out of retirement to be added to the Ashes squad for the first two Tests.
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 Mens 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, he said.
We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well for the Ashes campaign, Key added.
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 June 12, beginning practice at Edgbaston from June 13. The first Test will begin from Friday, June 16.
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.
Ashes schedule
1st Test:England v Australia, 16-20 June, Edgbaston, Birmingham
2nd Test:England v Australia, 28 June-2 July, Lords, 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 The Oval, London.
