Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali joined the national team’s training session at Edgbaston ahead of the second Test against India, providing his expertise as a coaching consultant. The 36-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2024, made a surprising appearance on Monday during England’s net session in Birmingham.
Although the visit was initially thought to be informal, it has now been confirmed that Ali has officially joined the camp in a coaching consultancy role for this particular Test. England’s decision to bring Moeen on board comes after their five-wicket win in the opening Test at Headingley. With the second Test set to begin on July 2, and with the surface at Edgbaston traditionally helping spinners from Day 3 onwards, Ali is expected to provide his expertise.
Moeen Ali chats with spinner Shoaib Bashir
Head coach Brendon McCullum and spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel were seen engaging in long conversations with Moeen during training. He was also seen spending time with Shoaib Bashir and giving him tips regarding the grip and lengths to bowl in Birmingham.
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According to insiders, Moeen’s presence is a one-time deal, with no long-term coaching plans at this time. Notably, the host team has named an unchanged XI for the second Test. Ben Stokes, who had previously convinced Moeen to come out of retirement for the 2023 Ashes series, hailed the veteran’s return.
England will go into the Edgbaston Test with of confidence after chasing down a record 371 at Headingley. However, India is anticipated to make adjustments, possibly incorporating Nitish Kumar Reddy and an additional spinner in the form of Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar.
England’s playing XI for second Test against India
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
India
