'Stokes sent me a message saying Ashes? I responded with ‘Lol’ - Moeen Ali reveals short 'retirement' conversation with Ben Stokes ahead of Ashes 2023

The star England all-rounder, Moeen Ali has not played first-class cricket since the Test match against India at the Kennington Oval. In 64 Test matches, Moeen scored 2914 runs at an average of 28.29. He scored five centuries and 14 half-centuries.

With the ball, the off-break bowler picked up 195 wickets and registered five five-wicket hauls. Prior to the last Ashes series that was held in Australia, Moeen decided to hang up his boots as far as Test cricket was concerned. He has, however, reversed his decision and is all set to don England's Test gear once again.

The swashbuckling left-handed batter will be seen in action in The Ashes 2023 which begins on Friday, June 16. He is also the only spinner picked for the first two Tests on the English side. Moeen recently revealed in a press conference the message that England's red-ball captain Ben Stokes had sent him regarding the Ashes.

“Stokes sent me a message saying ‘Ashes?’ I responded with ‘lol’,” Moeen revealed in a press conference on Tuesday.

Moeen Ali's vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign: Rob Key

The England Cricket Board (ECB) men's managing director, Rob Key, shared that Moeen Ali was excited to be back playing Test cricket. Key also explained how Moeen's experience could hold England in good stead as they hope to beat the newly-crowned World Test Champions.

“We reached out to ‘Mo’ early this week about returning to Test cricket. Having had a couple of days to reflect, Mo is excited to join the squad and play test cricket again,” Key stated.

“His vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign,” the managing director of ECB concluded.

Interestingly enough, Moeen's numbers in 'The Ashes' aren't very promising though. In 11 Test matches, he has picked up just 20 wickets at an average of 64.65. With the bat, he has scored 476 runs at an average of 25.05. In the absence of Jack Leach, England will have to rely on the experience that Moeen brings to the side irrespective of the stats.

The first Ashes Test will be played at Edgbaston from June 16. Australia are the current holder of the coveted 'Urn'. it is worth mentioning that the Australian side routed England 4-0 at home, back in 2021-22.