Moeen Ali injury updates: England spinner in doubt to bowl against Australia during fifth Ashes Test
England has suffered a blow in their battle to avoid Ashes series defeat with veteran spinner Moeen Ali suffering an injury during the fifth Test against Australia at The Oval.
The 36-year-old – who was in retirement prior to the series – has proved a vital part of England’s batting and bowling factions through necessity.
The Sporting News looks at the seriousness of Ali’s injury issue and what the ramifications might be.
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What is Moeen Ali’s injury and how did it occur?
It has been confirmed Ali pulled a groin muscle while batting during England’s first innings in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia.
The groin problem occurred when Ali was running a quick single while on 11 runs from 38 balls.
After receiving medical attention, a clearly-affected Ali smashed a further 23 runs off eight deliveries before having his stumps knocked over by Todd Murphy.
Will Moeen Ali bowl during the fifth Ashes Test?
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Following his injury, Ali didn’t bowl or field during Australia’s first innings at the back end of the first day.
This means that at a minimum, Ali won’t be permitted to bowl for most of the opening session on Friday.
While scans aren’t planned currently for Ali’s injury, it’s likely England will make a call on his participation for the rest of the Test on Friday morning.
If Ali is ruled out, then Joe Root will be used as the team’s main tweaker for the rest of the fifth Test.
Moeen Ali’s importance to England
A retired Ali answered an SOS call to play for England during the Ashes after a stress fracture ruled usual no.1 spinner Jack Leach out for the entire series.
Ali has played in four of the five Ashes Tests so far as England’s frontline spinner – only missing the second Test because of an injury to his spinning finger.
To emphasise his versatility, Ali has also played an important role with the bat in recent Tests after being promoted up the order to no.3 with usual incumbent Ollie Pope out with a dislocated shoulder.
Initially Harry Brook slotted in at no.3 to replace Pope, but his struggles in that role saw England turn to free-hitting Ali.
Ali belted a 50 in the fourth Test in Manchester, while also allowing Brook to thrive down the order in a position he is more comfortable with.
Brook now has three 50s in his past four innings.