WATCH MO GO

Swann insists Ali’s return to Test side gives England better chance of bashing Aussies

- DEAN WILSON

ENGLAND have been told they stand a better chance of winning The Ashes with Moeen Ali back in their side.

The 35-year-old spinning all-rounder has decided to end his Test retirement and replace the injured Jack Leach.

Moeen's return was confirmed by the ECB yesterday morning after he accepted overtures from skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum to end his red-ball exile.

And Graeme Swann England's greatest off-spinner - reckons the duo have pulled off a masterstroke by persuading Moeen back into the fold, nearly two years after his last red-ball match.

"I'm glad to see Moeen back," said Swann. "He's still brilliant. I watched him in the IPL, he's mercurial sure, but he's still a brilliant talent.

"It makes us stronger, which is hard on Jack because he was doing a good job with the ball.