Moen Ali takes break after Ashes axing
Allrounder Moeen Ali is taking a break from all forms of cricket after being omitted from England's squad to face Australia in the second Ashes Test, starting on Wednesday at Lord's.
Ali contributed just four runs in the opening Test defeat at Edgbaston and offered neither control nor a consistent threat with his offspin. He unflattering figures of 2-130 from 29 overs in Australia's second innings.
He was overlooked in favour of slow left-armer Jack Leach, and Worcestershire announced Ali would take a "short break from action".
Worcestershire first-team coach Alex Gidman said on the club website: "Mo is spending a little time away from the middle recharging his batteries and putting in some quality practice time which he feels he needs, and we completely respect.
"He has had an intense schedule of international cricket involving the ICC World Cup and the start of the Ashes.
"Mo loves playing for Worcestershire and he gives a lift to everyone in the dressing room when he comes back and plays for us. We look forward to when he returns soon."
Ali is the world's leading Test wicket-taker over the past 12 months, with 48 scalps in 10 matches at an average of 25.27, yet he has struggled recently for form.
He was dropped as the World Cup reached its climax over concerns about his batting.
In Tests, he has registered seven single-figure scores in his past nine innings, with his career average dipping below 30.
