Moeen Ali came out of Test retirement ahead of the Ashes 2023 Test series and was subsequently picked in England’s playing XI that faced Australia at Edgbaston. The off-spinner bowled 33 overs in the first innings and picked up a couple of wickets. However, on Day 2, the spinner suffered a blister on his finger. Ali was fined 25% of his match fee after he was spotted applying a spray on his injured finger at the boundary line.
“It was pretty unfortunate what happened. I think Mo [Moeen Ali] is all good. Hopefully, over these few days, it has looked after itself and hopefully, he is fit to play,” England’s vice-captain said.
Speaking about the impact spinners can have at Lord’s, England’s No. 3 in Tests, mentioned how Jack Leach played a vital part at the iconic venue on previous occasions.
“To be honest it depends what the wicket looks like. We know Lord’s can be bowler friendly sometimes but we have seen the role Leachy [injured spinner Jack Leach] has played over the last year in bowler friendly conditions as well so it is a great option to have,” Pope was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.