It took a one-word message from England captain Ben Stokes for spinner all-rounder Moeen Ali to come out of his Test retirement and join the squad for the Ashes, starting on Friday.
Moeen played the last of his 64 Tests nearly two years ago. But left-arm spinner Jack Leach’s unavailability prompted an unlikely comeback for the 35-year-old.
“Ashes?” read the message from Stokes, which Moeen conceded he did not take seriously. “I hadn’t heard the news on Leachy at that time, so I just said ‘LOL’ (laugh out loud), thinking he’s taking the mick,” Moeen told reporters in Birmingham.
He was aware it would be a stop-gap role for him and said he was not feeling any pressure to perform, especially after a chat with Test head coach Brendon McCullum. “It’s a free hit. I’m not playing for my spot. There’s no pressure, really. There is pressure of the occasion and the game, but I spoke to Baz (McCullum) and he said he’s not bothered about how I perform, which is quite nice.”
Under Stokes and McCullum, England have won 12 of their last 17 Tests, displaying a fearless brand of cricket that has rejuvenated the longest format.
