Moeen Ali signs major deal with Worcestershire

(Photo: Getty Images)

By Adam Ellis

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has agreed a new five-year contract to commit his future to County Championship Division Two title-winners Worcestershire.

The 30-year-old is likely to remain with the county for the rest of his career having first moved to New Road back in 2007 from home county Warwickshire.

Moeen, who has eight centuries to his name in international cricket, said: “It’s happy days. To commit my future and probably the rest of my career to Worcestershire is a fantastic feeling.”

Set to depart for Australia with the rest of England’s Ashes squad on Friday, the spinner has been backed by his Worcestershire coach Steve Rhodes to continue his impressive form for club and country.

“It sends a message to other clubs that our better players don’t feel the need to be elsewhere,” said Rhodes. “Moeen has stayed loyal to the club in signing this longer deal.

“He is in such a rich vein of form internationally and on the back of a wonderful season, he is turning himself into one of the best all-rounders in the world in international cricket.

“For us to sign someone of that ilk for five years is a real credit to all we do at Worcester. Whenever he comes back, it gives a big lift to the place.”