Worcestershire Rapids have received a boost ahead of this evening’s Vitality Blast clash with Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston with Moeen Ali made available to play by England.
The all-rounder has been cleared to feature against his former County after not being included in the England starting eleven announced for the third Specsavers Test with India at Trent Bridge starting tomorrow.
Moeen is the Rapids official Blast captain summer and will return to lead the side as they bid to seal a home quarter-final for the second time since the competition began 15 years ago.
The 31-year-old has played in five Blast games this summer and in the last three matches has scored 42, 65 and 25 at the top of the order.
Moeen has also chipped in with six wickets and his spin option may crucial if the wicket proves similar to the ones played on in the Bears-Lancashire Lightning clash on Wednesday.
He said earlier this week that he “loves” skippering the Rapids in the short format of the game.
Worcestershire Head Coach Kevin Sharp said: “To have Moeen available for this game is a big bonus – and a welcome bonus.
“We thank England for allowing him to play in what is a crucial game for us in terms of trying to earn a home tie.”
A decision is still to be made by the ECB as to whether Moeen will also be allowed to play in the Specsavers County Championship match with Yorkshire at Scarborough beginning on Sunday.
