England's spin bowling all-rounder, Moeen Ali, has made a comeback from Test retirement and joined the squad for the first two Ashes Tests against Australia, commencing on June 16.
Moeen has been brought in as a replacement for Jack Leach, who was withdrawn from the original 16-player squad due to a low back stress fracture, ruling him out of the five-match Ashes Test series.
"Warwickshire spin-bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali has been added to the England Men's Test squad for the first two Men's Ashes Test matches against Australia starting at Edgbaston on Friday 16 June 2023," stated the England and Wales Cricket Board in a Wednesday announcement.
The 35-year-old all-rounder, who retired from Test cricket at the end of the 2021 summer, reversed his decision after discussions with Test Captain Ben Stokes, Test Head Coach Brendon McCullum, and Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Rob Key.
"We reached out to Mo (Moeen Ali) early this week about returning to Test cricket. 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," commented Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket.
Moeen will aim to add to his 64 Test caps, having scored 2,914 Test runs and taken 195 wickets in Test cricket. He will celebrate his 36th birthday during the first Test at Edgbaston on June 16.
The England squad will report to Birmingham on Monday and begin their practice sessions at Edgbaston from June 13.