Ben Stokes’ England have recalled senior all-rounder Moeen Ali to the Test squad for the upcoming Ashes series. However, former England cricketer Mark Butcher has called out the decision to bring back the all-rounder out of retirement despite other viable options available to the selectors.
“I’m slightly baffled by the whole thing. There’s a lot of hoping going on… Jack Leach, is a holding bowler for Ben Stokes right? Moeen Ali has never been a holding bowler in his entire career and has not played any red-ball cricket for two years. His Ashes record is pretty bad with bat and with the ball, and he has had no interest in playing long-form cricket ever since his retirement.
“I hope it goes well, I honestly do. I hope it’s brilliant and that I eat every single one of those words. I’m just saying it’s a massive risk, huge. What is the point of having guys playing first-class cricket? What’s the point of giving guys debuts in subcontinental conditions? What’s the point of anybody if all you do is overlook every single one of them and pick someone who doesn’t really want to play the format?” he stated further.
