Ashes: Moeen Ali takes break from all cricket after being dropped for Lord's Test
Moeen Ali is taking a break from all forms of cricket after a difficult spell with England.
The all-rounder, often also England’s front-line spinner, struggled throughout the ultimately victorious World Cup campaign as well as the first Ashes Test.
At Edgbaston, he contributed just four runs in the 251-run defeat and offered neither control nor a consistent threat with his off-spin.
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His figures, which saw him take two wickets for 130 in 29 overs in Australia’s second innings, saw him dropped in favour of Jack Leach - and he has now announced a break.
Announcing the decision on his club’s website, Worcestershire first team coach Alex Gidman said: “Mo is spending a little time away from the middle recharging his batteries and putting in some quality practice time which he feels he needs, and we completely respect.
“He has had an intense schedule of international cricket involving the ICC World Cup and the start of the Ashes.
“Mo loves playing for Worcestershire and he gives a lift to everyone in the dressing room when he comes back and plays for us.
“We saw at Trent Bridge (in the Blast) what he gives to us and we look forward to when he returns soon “
Moeen is the world’s leading Test wicket-taker over the last 12 months, with 48 scalps in 10 matches at an average of 25.27, yet he has struggled for form in recent outings.
Indeed, he was dropped as the World Cup reached a conclusion over concerns about his batting.
In Tests, he has registered seven single-figure scores in his last nine innings, with his career average dipping below 30.
The England captain added it was ‘not the last we have seen’ of Moeen while adding Sam Curran was selected for the squad for his game-changing abilities.
Root added: “Sam is a brilliant talent and can change the game with bat and ball.
“His record is fantastic and has had a huge impact in most of the games he has played and is a promising young talent who I’m sure will play a huge amount of Test cricket.”
Shortly before the press conference started, Moeen’s county Worcestershire announced the all-rounder would take a short break from cricket following a demanding schedule in recent months.
England squad: Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Jofra Archer, Jason Roy, Jack Leach, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow.
Additional by PA:Media
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