Moeen Ali is relishing the prospect of playing in his first Ashes Test as England prepare for the opening match in the five match series at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff starting tomorrow.
The Worcestershire all-rounder says taking on Australia would be an experience "that no-one can ever take away from me" in the same way as he was proud to be part of England's World Cup squad this winter.
The 28-year-old acted as a ball boy in a couple of Ashes Tests at Edgbaston and used to play in imaginary England v Australia Tests in his back garden with brother and former Worcestershire opener Kadeer Ali.
Moeen said: "It's something that I'm really looking forward to. Hopefully I can perform and do well.
"To be part of an Ashes squad is fantastic.
"To play a game against Australia in the Ashes, no-one could ever take that away from me, just like playing in a World Cup.
"If I'm doing well and we are winning games, I'll be very happy."
Moeen added: "I used to go and watch Ashes games at Edgbaston. I was a ball boy in a couple of them and when I was at school, I played Kwik cricket on the outfield in the intervals.
"I clearly remember watching the Ashes at Edgbaston. I remember Darren Gough bowling Michael Slater.
"Those are great memories to have. To be part of that as a player, my family, myself, I'll be very happy.
"There were a few tight Ashes games in my back garden with my brother (Kadeer) – but I used to win most of them!"
