Friday, August 20th, 2021

MOEEN ALI TO SKIPPER PHOENIX IN THE HUNDRED FINAL AT LORD’S

Worcestershire Rapids Vitality Blast captain Moeen Ali is to captain Birmingham Phoenix in the final of The Hundred at Lord’s on Saturday.

Moeen has been made available by England to play for the Phoenix against the winners of the Southern Brave-Trent Rockets Eliminator at The Kia Oval tomorrow (Friday).

England recalled him for the Second Test against India and missed two games for the Phoenix against Trent Rockets and Northern Superchargers when Liam Livingstone led the team.

Moeen will play in The Hundred final and then rejoin the England squad for the third Test next week.

He said: “I’ve loved every minute of The Hundred, and captaining Birmingham Phoenix, as my home team in the tournament, has been an honour.

“Liam has done a fantastic job in leading from the front in the last two games and in getting us over the line to secure our place at Lord’s.

“I can’t wait to join back up with the squad and pushing us forward, hopefully to a first title.”

Phoenix men’s Head Coach, Daniel Vettori, said: “Mo is a world-class player and having him return as our captain is a great boost as we go into Saturday’s final of The Hundred.

“He’s put in match-winning performances and is an inspiration to this young team. We’re over the moon to have him back.”