Monday 6 April 2015 09:25, UK
England all-rounder Moeen Ali is one step closer to joining the England team after being selected to play in Worcestershire's friendly match against Northamptonshire.
The 27-year-old was included in Worcestershire squad for the two-day match - which begins on Tuesday - after being out of action since suffering a side strain while bowling for England during their World Cup clash with Bangladesh on March 9.
His injury meant he was unavailable when the England selectors chose their squad for the upcoming three-match Test series in the West Indies, but Moeen is hoping to join up with the national team for the latter part of the month-long tour.
And he is set to test his fitness in this week's match at Northampton as Worcestershire put the final touches on their pre-season preparations.
His county confirmed on their website: "He (Moeen) will play purely as a batsman at Northampton in the county's final warm-up match of the season after working with the staff at New Road during the past few days."
Worcestershire begin their County Championship campaign at home to title-holders Yorkshire on April 12.
Watch England’s series with West Indies, starting with the first Test in Antigua from Monday, April 13, live on Sky Sports 2.
