Ashes 2023: Former Australia captain slams Moeen Ali’s inclusion in England’s Ashes squad

The Ashes 2023 is set to start from June 16 and England have made an addition to their squad. Jack Leach’s injury with a stress fracture has ruled him out of the first two Tests, and as a replacement, England have brought in Moeen Ali from retirement.

Moeen Ali hasn’t played a Test since September 2021 and announced his retirement from Test format. But after persuasion from England’s captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, the veteran has broken his retirement and is available for selection.

The 35-year-old played in the IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings as they won the IPL title. He has played 64 Tests for England, scoring 2914 runs and picking up 195 wickets. But former Australia player Ian Chappell thinks the veteran won’t be the answer for England in the upcoming Ashes.

“I don’t understand England when it comes to spin bowling, because Jack Leach is not the answer, not against Australia, and I don’t think Moeen Ali is either,” Chappell told Wide World of Sports.

“So I would have thought the Australians would be over the moon if they picked Moeen Ali. It’s got nothing to do with the retirement; he doesn’t get Australians out,” he added.

Chappell also reckons England’s spin bowling department lacks quality and believes even Jack Leach is not good enough at the highest stage. The former Australia captain said Leach may well be fine for minor nations, but top-class players will make a ‘mice meat’ out of the injured spinner.

“If you’re relying on Jack Leach as your main spinner… He might be fine against the minor nations, but anyone who can play spin really should make mince meat of Jack Leach,” Chappell further said.

Australia will be jumping straight into the Ashes assignment after their WTC Final. The match against India has started at the Oval and the Aussies are currently at the driver’s seat after Day 1. They are 327/3 as Travis Head has starred with a century.