Moeen Ali to take "short break from action" after being axed from Ashes squad

The 32-year-old was replaced by left-arm spinner Jack Leach for the second Test match at Lord's after an underwhelming performance in England's defeat at Edgbaston

Moeen Ali is to take a "short break from action" after being dropped from the squad for the second Ashes Test match, his club Worcestershire have confirmed.

The 32-year-old was replaced by fellow spinner Jack Leach in the squad for the Lord's Test, which begins on Wednesday, after an underwhelming performance at Edgbaston.

Ali managed just four runs and match figures of 3-172 in Birmingham, which saw him continue his poor form in England colours after being dropped during the World Cup, but Worcestershire first-team coach Alex Gidman confirmed the time had arrived for the allrounder to take a break.

"Mo is spending a little time away from the middle recharging his batteries and putting in some quality practice time which he feels he needs, and we completely respect," Gidman told the club's official website.

"He has had an intense schedule of international cricket involving the ICC World Cup and the start of the Ashes.

"Mo loves playing for Worcestershire and he gives a lift to everyone in the dressing room when he comes back and plays for us. We look forward to when he returns soon."

Ali is still the world's leading Test wicket-taker over the past 12 months, with 48 scalps in 10 matches at an average of 25.27, but his deselection has confirmed his recent poor run.

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