Ashes: Moeen Ali 'all good' to play in second Test after finger injury, says England vice-captain Ollie Pope

England vice-captain Ollie Pope thinks Moeen Ali should be “all good” to play in the second Ashes Test after struggling with a finger injury. A blister affected his performance in the first Test and he was only able to bowl 14 overs in Australia’s second innings.

Ad Ali — who came out of retirement to take part this summer in place of the injured Jack Leach — took two wickets from 33 overs in the first innings, but was fairly expensive as he gave away 147 runs to the visitors at Edgbaston. CricketEngland beaten by 89 runs in Women's Ashes Test as Gardner stars for Australia6 HOURS AGO Speaking about his team-mate’s injury, Pope said: «It was pretty unfortunate what happened.

»I think Mo is all good. Hopefully over these few days it has looked after itself and hopefully he is fit to play." Ali bowled in nets during a practice session on Monday — two days ahead of the start of the second Test at Lord’s — and showed no signs of his finger causing him further issues.

Fellow spin-bowler Rehan Ahmed has been called into the squad as cover. Pope was asked if a spinner will be needed at Lord’s and he said: «To be honest it depends what the wicket looks like.” »We know Lord's can be bowler friendly sometimes but we have seen the role Leachy [Jack Leach] has played over the last year in bowler friendly conditions as well so it is a great option to have." Australia have a 1-0 lead in the five match series after winning an enthralling first Test by two wickets.

England have promised to continue with their ultra-positive approach to the game this summer, which has been instilled by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. England beaten by 89 runs in Women's Ashes Test as Gardner stars for Australia 'That pitch was like