Ian Chappell Questions England as Reports Hint At Moeen Ali Replacing Jack Leach
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has questioned reports that Moeen Ali could replace the injured Jack Leach in the England squad for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia, saying that Australia would be happy to see Ali in the England side.
Leach, the go-to spinner for England, was ruled out of the Ashes after suffering a stress fracture in his back during his side's recent 10-wicket win over Ireland. England are yet to name a replacement for the left-arm spinner.
However, as per reports, Moeen is seriously considering a return to Test cricket for the Ashes despite having retired from the format in 2021. However, his bowling average of 64.65 and mid-20s average with the bat in 11 Tests against Australia could count against him.
In response to these reports, Chappell said that he didn’t understand England when it comes to spin bowling, because neither Leach nor Ali were “the answer” against Australia. He went on to say that Ali “doesn’t get Australians out,” which is why, unless he had improved as an off-spin bowler, the Australians would be pleased to see him line up against them.
"I don't understand England when it comes to spin bowling, because Jack Leach is not the answer, not against Australia, and I don't think Moeen Ali is, either," Chappell said.
"So I would have thought the Australians would be over the moon if they picked Moeen Ali ... It's got nothing to do with the retirement; he doesn't get Australians out. So, unless he's improved as an off-spin bowler, I don't see why they're turning to him."
On Leach, Chappell said that relying on him to be the main spinner was not the right option, saying that he might be fine against minor nations but anyone who could play spin would be able to deal comfortably with his threat.
He supported his claim by pointing people in the direction of Leach’s less-than-favourable record against Australia, making the wider point that England did not have great depth in this department. Leach did not have a good showing in the most recent Ashes series in 2021-22, taking just six wickets in three Tests at an average of 53.50.
"England's depth is not very good. If you're relying on Jack Leach as your main spinner... He might be fine against the minor nations, but anyone who can play spin really should make mince meat of Jack Leach," Chappell added.
Chappell singled out Rehan Ahmed as England’s future but added that he wasn’t ready to take on the role just yet and would not be able to get many Australians out.
The 2023 Ashes series starts at Edgbaston on Friday, June 16.
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