Worcestershire have received an early season boost with Moeen Ali given the green light to appear in three of their Specsavers County Championship matches.
The England all-rounder has been part of the side which came so close to winning the ICC World T20 in India before narrowly losing the final to the West Indies.
But now Moeen's focus will be on red ball cricket ahead of the three match Test series against Sri Lanka which begins on May 19 at Headingley.
The 28-year-old will be given a short break from action and is not available for Worcestershire's Championship opener against Kent at New Road starting on Sunday.
But he will be allowed by the ECB to play in the matches against Gloucestershire at Bristol (April 24-27), Essex at New Road (May 1-4) and Glamorgan at the Swalec Stadium (May 8-11).
An ECB statement confirmed: "Moeen Ali has been cleared to make three Division Two appearances for Worcestershire after missing their opening fixture against Kent."
The opening match against Sri Lanka will bring back happy memories for Moeen as he scored his debut Test century against them at Headingley two years ago when coming within one delivery of saving the match.
New Road fans will also have the chances to see England Test captain Alastair Cook in action in the match against Essex.
He has been cleared to play in the opening four Championship matches of the campaign.
