ENG vs IND 2025: Moeen Ali Makes Surprise Return to England Nets Before Edgbaston Test

Ahead of the second Test match against India, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali joined the national team's Edgbaston training session to provide his coaching consulting services. During England's net session in Birmingham on Monday, the 36-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2024, made an unexpected appearance.

After a thrilling 5-wicket victory in the series opener at Headingley, England is preparing for a difficult second Test match against India, and Ali's unexpected arrival comes at a critical moment. England has turned to Ali, who has witnessed the surface in all of its moods over his career, as the Edgbaston field is predicted to offer abundant runs and spin-friendly conditions starting on day three.

ENG vs IND 2025 Preps in Full Swing:

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It has now been established that Ali has formally joined the camp in a coaching consultancy role for this specific Test, despite the initial belief that the visit was informal. Following their five-wicket victory in the first Test match at Headingley, England decided to add Moeen to their team. Ali is anticipated to provide his knowledge as the second Test is scheduled to start on July 2, and Edgbaston's pitch has historically favoured spinners starting on Day 3.

During training, Moeen was observed having lengthy chats with head coach Brendon McCullum and spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel. Additionally, he was spotted hanging out with Shoaib Bashir and offering him advice on how to bowl in Birmingham with the right grip and length.  Sources claim that Moeen's visit is a one-time event with no immediate plans for long-term coaching. Notably, the home team's starting lineup for the second Test has not changed. After convincing Moeen to come out of retirement for the 2023 Ashes series, Ben Stokes now praised the veteran's participation once more.

Ali participated in IPL 2025 and has since established himself in T20 leagues across the globe. Even though he was only in Birmingham to support his old colleagues, it served as a reminder of the experience and leadership he contributed to England's Test team throughout his playing career. Ali played a significant role in England's 2015 Ashes campaign as well, and his bat-and-ball skills could be helpful to the team, particularly given the anticipated spinning pitch later in the game.

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