Moeen Ali, Steven Finn ruled out from first two Ashes Tests

England’s Ashes 2017-18 tour of Australia has been rocked with injuries as Moeen Ali and Steven Finn have been ruled out from the first two matches of the tour. Scans have confirmed that Moeen has side strain while Fin’s left knee that suffered a blow will not them be available for selection for the first two Tests. They will thus also miss the two-day warm-up matches that get underway in Perth on Sunday. It means both the players will have a maximum of one warm-up match – the four-day game in Townsville starting on November 15 – ahead of the Ashes.

Between the two players, Finn’s injury is more serious. Moeen still believes he could play, if required, but team management wouldn’t like to take a risk citing his importance in the team, at least before the match in Townsville. The England camp is not unduly concerned by the possibility of his being sidelined any longer than that.

Finn’s injury

Finn suffered the injury while batting in the nets on Friday. It is still not sure whether the ball hit his knee or both bat and ball hit there while jamming the ball. It is also understood he twisted his leg while attempting to play the next ball and that is when he started to experience more pain.

If Finn, who replaced suspended Ben Stokes, fails to recover that will be a serious blow to England. Finn was looking for an Ashes appearance but his hope could be dashed if his injury takes time to heal.

The fitness issues have forced England to re-think their plans for the two-day warm-up match against Western Australia XI on Sunday. Skipper Joe Root said that he would field 12 players for the match that means every player except reserve player Ben Foakes can expect an opportunity.