Ashes 2019: Moeen Ali to take break from all forms of cricket after being dropped by England

All-rounder was dropped from the England squad following the first Test defeat by Australia

Moeen Ali will take a break from all forms of cricket after losing his place in the England squad ahead of this week’s second Ashes Test, with the all-rounder unlikely to feature in the remainder of the series.

Moeen proved to be one of the casualties of the first Test defeat last week against Australia, having scored a total of four runs across both innings and taking just three wickets, and he was also dropped from the one-day side midway through the recent Cricket World Cup triumph.

England will instead deploy Jack Leach as their front line spin option, and Worcestershire have confirmed that Moeen will not feature for a short time before returning for his county.

A statement issued by Worcestershire County Cricket Club read: “Moeen Ali is taking a short break from action after a hectic and high intensity period of international cricket before returning to play for Worcestershire

“He has been a virtual ever present for his country in all formats of the game since making his international debut five and a half years ago – a combined total of 186 matches.”

Worcestershire first team coach Alex Gidman added: “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 T20 Blast) what he gives to us and we look forward to when he returns soon “