‘I think Mo [Moeen Ali] is all good’ – Ollie Pope hopes Moeen Ali will recover from finger injury in time ahead of Lord’s Test

Ollie Pope and Moeen Ali. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Moeen Ali came out of Test retirement ahead of the Ashes 2023 Test series and was subsequently picked in England’s playing XI that faced Australia at Edgbaston. The off-spinner bowled 33 overs in the first innings and picked up a couple of wickets. However, on Day 2, the spinner suffered a blister on his finger. Ali was fined 25% of his match fee after he was spotted applying a spray on his injured finger at the boundary line.

The 36-year-old could bowl only 14 overs in the second innings. Ali is currently recuperating from the injury and with less than 48 hours left ahead of the second Test at Lord’s, his teammate, Ollie Pope, hoped that the experienced campaigner would get back to full fitness and play a part. Furthermore, Pope also expressed his sympathy towards the veteran by saying that it was unfortunate that Moeen picked up the finger injury during the first Ashes Test.

“It was pretty unfortunate what happened. I think Mo [Moeen Ali] is all good. Hopefully, over these few days, it has looked after itself and hopefully, he is fit to play,” England’s vice-captain said.

Speaking about the impact spinners can have at Lord’s, England’s No. 3 in Tests, mentioned how Jack Leach played a vital part at the iconic venue on previous occasions.

“To be honest it depends what the wicket looks like. We know Lord’s can be bowler friendly sometimes but we have seen the role Leachy [injured spinner Jack Leach] has played over the last year in bowler friendly conditions as well so it is a great option to have,” Pope was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

Moeen Ali spotted bowling in the nets

Meanwhile, the veteran spinner, Moeen Ali practiced with his teammates on Monday and was also seen bowling in the nets, showing no alarming sign of discomfort. In another development, England added leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to the side ahead of the second Test. The 18-year-old picked a five-fer on debut for England on their tour to Pakistan last year.

Whether he plays a part in the second Test or not might depend on Ali’s recovery from injury. Australia lead the five-match Ashes series 1-0 after their nerve-jangling two-wicket win in the first Test.