England have dragged Moeen Ali out of retirement in a desperate bid to save their spin stocks for the Ashes, with the veteran to replace the injured Jack Leach in the squad.
Moeen was officially called in for the first two Tests on Wednesday, two days after Leach was ruled out of the series with stress fractures in his back.
The 35-year-old finger spinner has not played a red-ball match since September 2021, when he retired from Test cricket.
He has since played solely as white-ball specialist, representing England as recently as March in Bangladesh.
England had other options in Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone and teenager Rehan Ahmed, but have instead opted for the experience of Moeen.
Leach has taken 124 wickets at 34.18 for England, but his importance under coach Brendon McCullum in the past year cannot be understated.
The 31-year-old has been used as a workhorse, tying up one end bowling economically while allowing England's pace attack to rotate at the other end.
Moeen has not traditionally been as economical in Test cricket, something England will need him to be.
His record against Australia is also poor, with 20 wickets at an average of 64.65.
The offspinner will, however, add depth to England's batting as a genuine allrounder in the lower order.
"We reached out to Mo early this week about returning to Test cricket," England cricket director Rob Key said.
"Having had a couple of days to reflect, Mo is excited to join the squad and play Test cricket again.
"His vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign."
Moeen's decision to answer England's SOS comes after he knocked back a similar approach to play in Pakistan last year.
England players have been given the week off after their 10-wicket victory over Ireland at Lord's, and will regroup in Birmingham on Monday ahead of next Friday's first Test at Edgbaston.
