Moeen Ali takes a break from cricket after Ashes omission

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has decided to take a break from the game after being omitted from the squad for the second Ashes Test. Moeen was poor with both the bat and the ball in the first Test at Edgbaston. His failure to convince with the ball led to England losing the contest by 251 runs. His misery was further compounded as Nathan Lyon came up with a match-winning spell.

The news was confirmed by Ali’s county side Worcester. First Team Head Coach Alex Gidman said speaking to the media:

“Mo is spending a little time away from the middle recharging his batteries. 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 has been a key part of the English setup across all formats over the past few years. Ali has played 60 Test matches for England. He has scored 2782 runs at an average of 28.97, with 5 centuries to his name. Ali has also picked up 181 wickets with 5 five-wicket hauls to his name.