ASHES DOWN UNDER, 2017

Moeen, Finn to miss first two practice games ahead of Ashes

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Moeen Ali and Steven Finn to miss first two practice games ahead of Ashes. © Getty

Paceman Steven Finn and all-rounder Moeen Ali have been ruled out of England's first two practice games in Australia, ECB confirmed through a media statement on Friday (November 3). Finn, who jarred his left knee while batting during a net session in Perth on Thursday, failed to recover in time for practice the following day.

Moeen continued to nurse his side strain as he stayed away while rest of the England squad continued to train.

The duo will now miss two practice games - against West Australia XI starting November 4, and Cricket Australia XI starting November 8. The spin bowling all-rounder faces a race against time to return to full training some time during the middle of the month ahead of the tour game in Townsville.

With the first Test three weeks away, there is a question mark next to Moeen starting the Ashes. Without him, England's slow bowling stocks are worryingly thin with uncapped leg-spinner Mason Crane the only other spinner in the squad.

For Finn, it is an untimely setback after being a late inclusion into the touring party following star allrounder Ben Stokes being provisionally suspended over a nightclub incident in Bristol. Earlier in the week, Finn had publicly stated that he hoped the Ashes would revive his stalled career, having not played Test cricket for over 12 months.

© Cricbuzz

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