WORCESTERSHIRE’S Moeen Ali has said he will be proud to represent his county after he was included in England’s squads for the World Twenty20 and tour to the Caribbean.
The 26-year-old is one of two uncapped players in the 15-man party chosen for next month’s t20 competition in Bangladesh alongside Lancashire’s Stephen Parry.
Ali enjoyed his best ever season for the New Road club last year scoring more than 2,000 runs across all formats and 55 wickets.
The all-rounder, who scooped the FTI Most Valuable Player Award for his efforts, said: “I am really pleased, not just for me but the fact that I’m in playing for Worcestershire.
“And I’m more happy for the club.”
National selector, James Whitaker, said: “We would like to congratulate Moeen Ali and Stephen Parry on their selection for the tour to the Caribbean and then to represent England in the ICC World Twenty20.
“It is an exciting opportunity for Moeen and Stephen and all the England players.
“Both Moeen and Stephen have been very consistent performers for Worcestershire and Lancashire and both counties and their coaching staffs must take credit for their continued progress.
“England have won the ICC World Twenty20 before – in 2010 in the Caribbean – and this group has an exciting mix of youth and Twenty20 experience and I am sure with good preparation, desire and determination they will be able to produce an exciting brand of cricket.”
Stuart Broad will captain the squad in both the One Day Internationals in the Caribbean – in the absence of the rested Alastair Cook – as well as the Twenty20s and in the ICC World Twenty20. Eoin Morgan will be vice-captain for both tours.