Moeen Ali to lead Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred final before joining England for 3rd Test vs India

England all-rounder Moeen Ali is set to feature in the final of the inaugural The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix. He is part of England’s squad for third Test against India and will link up with the team on Sunday (August 22) after the final on Saturday. Along with him, even Craig Overton who has warmed the bench so far in the Test series but has a chance to play at Headingley, will also play for Southern Brave in the Eliminator and in final, if qualified.

Moeen Ali, the Phoenix skipper, had scored 189 runs and picked up four wickets in the first six matches of The Hundred before he got England Test call-up. The hosts were desperate to have a spinner and a better batsman in the line-up and Moeen was a perfect fit for the role. In his absence, Liam Livingstone led the side and played a match-winning knock of 92* in the previous game to take the team to the final.

Meanwhile, Moeen hoped to win the first ever The Hundred title for Birmingham and also lauded the way Livingstone led in the last two matches. “I’ve loved every minute of The Hundred and captaining Birmingham Phoenix, as my home team in the tournament, has been an honour.

“Livi has done a fantastic job in leading from the front in the last two games and in getting us over the line to secure our place at Lord’s. I can’t wait to join back up with the squad and pushing us forward, hopefully to a first title,” he said according to ESPNCricinfo.

Finn Allen and De Grandhomme unavailable for crucial matches

New Zealand players Finn Allen and Colin de Grandhomme are unavailable for their respective teams as they are travelling to Bangladesh on national duty. The Phoenix have called up David Bedingham to replace him while Southern Brave have included Tim David ahead of eliminator against Trent Rockets on August 20. Craig Overton’s availability must have bolstered the Brave for the knockout encounter.

For both Moeen Ali and Overton though there will be a challenge to adjust to red-ball cricket quickly for the third Test of the five-match series against India.