By News18
To solidify their position in the Test series against India, England are making sure their younger players in the dressing room stay motivated.
On Monday, Moeen Ali joined their training to assist Shoaib Bashir, which thrilled the young off-spinner. On Tuesday, former all-rounder Andrew Flintoff participated in the final practice session before the second Test at Edgbaston, which starts on Wednesday. England currently lead 1-0 in the five-match series after winning the opener in Leeds.
England are relying on Ali鈥檚 knowledge of Edgbaston, where the pitch is anticipated to favour batsmen and assist spinners from day three onwards.
Head coach Brendon McCullum and spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel were seen having an extended discussion with Ali.
Sources informed PTI that Ali was at the venue only for the day and would not be taking on a long-term coaching role with the team.
Having retired from international cricket, Ali now plays in T20 leagues around the world and was also part of the IPL 2025.
England captain Ben Stokes had previously convinced Ali to come out of Test retirement for an Ashes comeback a couple of years ago. On Monday, he was present once again to support his former captain.
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Flintoff鈥檚 presence is expected to add some of his characteristic feistiness to the already aggressive camp.
On the eve of the game, Stokes was asked about the rationale behind regularly bringing England greats back into the dressing room.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a constant thing for us to get some of the greats who are representing England into the environment and helping out. Those conversations that you have around the nets, natural conversations that you do have with the people who do come in, are so valuable to players.
鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing how many conversations you can have in a social environment,鈥 said Stokes.
The England captain mentioned that Bashir was 鈥渂uzzing鈥 after his chat with Moeen.
鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 always have to be in a boardroom or around a table talking about specific things鈥 think it鈥檚 great for Bashir to meet Moeen鈥 It鈥檚 amazing they鈥檝e been met until yesterday, which I found amazing.
鈥淏ashir is absolutely buzzing鈥 Times that we can get people like that into the dressing room and offering their advice to specific individuals is, it鈥檚 great for this team,鈥 added the skipper.
(With inputs from PTI)