The fact that it is Ashes and it's such a big series, to be part of it would be amazing: Moeen Ali

England all-rounder Moeen Ali expressed his excitement to take part in the forthcoming Ashes series. The five-match series will be contested in five different venues in England from June 16 to July 31.

Ali was included in the England squad after Jack Leach was ruled out of the marquee series. The all-rounder, who was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 title-winning campaign, last played a Test match in September 2021. Notably, he reversed his retirement after speaking with England skipper Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.

While speaking to Sky Sports, Ali said that the Ashes is such a big series that being a part of it would be incredible. He then lauded the exciting cricket England have been playing at the moment. He went on to say that he is a guy who goes with the flow, and waits to see what will happen. 

"The fact that it is The Ashes and it is such a big series, to be part of it would be amazing. The exciting cricket the guys have been playing. It's an era I would have loved when I was playing [before]." Ali said.

"I spoke to Stokesy about how he talks to the batters and he said, 'look, it would be perfect for the way you play'. I am the guy who goes with the flow. At the moment it's just these two games. so let's see what happens," he added.

There are not going to be lots of maidens: Ali

Much of England's recent Bazball approach has been about role clarity for batters and bowlers, and Ali stated both Stokes and McCullum are aware of what he can contribute to the team. The 35-year-old stated that he is not in the Test team to bowl maidens, but rather to get wickets in the middle.

"I have never been able to hold an end up. When I have, it's when I've been taking wickets. That's the only time I have been able to build any kind of pressure. Ben and Baz [McCullum] know that.

"I am sure they know what they are going to get from me. There are not going to be lots of maidens! There might be times when I need to build a bit of pressure. I will just play what's in front of me," the all-rounder added.

England have been playing aggressive cricket under the leadership of Stokes and McCullum, and have won 11 of their last 13 Test matches. Meanwhile, Australia enters the Ashes after a commanding 209-run win over India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final on June 11.