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England recall Moeen for 2nd Test vs India

Last updated on: August 10, 2021 16:58 IST

Silverwood also said that opener Haseeb Hameed is making a "very strong case" for a Test recall.

'We know Moeen Ali is a fine cricketer and we know he is showing fine form in the Hundred at the moment, though I appreciate it's a different format'

IMAGE: Moeen Ali has played only one Test in the last two years -- against India in Chennai in February this year. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

England added spin all-rounder Moeen Ali to their squad for the second match against India at Lord's from Thursday as they seek to get their team balance right after the drawn series opener in Nottingham.

Joe Root's stellar century helped England draw the low-scoring match as rain washed out the entire final day's play at Trent Bridge.

 

Moeen has played only one Test in the last two years -- against India in Chennai in February this year.

"He will join the test party later today and will train this afternoon with the England squad," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement on Tuesday.

All-rounder Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the first two tests with a heel injury, while the talismanic Ben Stokes has taken an indefinite break from the game to focus on his mental health.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in July this year had confirmed that men's all-rounder Ben Stokes will take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect.

"All-rounders such Ben Stokes or Chris Woakes usually give you options all-round. Unfortunately, we've found ourselves squeezed through circumstance recently and we haven't been able to do that," said England coach Chris Silverwood.

Silverwood also said that opener Haseeb Hameed is making a "very strong case" for a Test recall.

Hameed played the last of his three Tests in 2016 before injury and loss of form combined to banish him to test wilderness.

The 24-year-old has been in impressive domestic form with Nottinghamshire and is close to a test recall as the team management looks for ways to bolster their brittle top order.

"He works extremely hard and he's looked extremely good in the nets," Silverwood told British media on Monday.

"I think he is making a very strong case and, at some point, we may have to make a decision and give him an opportunity.

"When that comes, we'll wait and see, but he is certainly putting his best foot forward and, in the nets, he has looked extremely good."

Silverwood also admitted that batsmen apart from Joe Root need to start contributing more to ease off the pressure on the Three Lions skipper.

Openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley and number three batsman Zak Crawley struggled at Trent Bridge where the hosts were shot out for 183 in the first innings.

Root was their top-scorer in both innings and number eight Sam Curran's 32 was the second highest score by a home batsman.

Silverwood said the top three must quickly rediscover their form.

"We have to address the fact that, at this moment in time, we're not getting those runs," the coach said.

"I have invested in these guys. I would rather be accused of giving somebody one too many chances than not enough, I've made that clear from the start, but at some point, I will have to make a decision."

England and India will now lock horns in the second Test, beginning Thursday at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

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