England all-rounder Moeen Ali is highly unlikely to bowl during the practice game against Cricket Australia XI, ahead of the Perth Test. Moeen had suffered a cut on his spinning finger earlier, which will keep him out of bowling in the practice game.

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Though he will be leading the team going into the practice game before the Third Test of the series, where Australia will look to regain the urn from the visitors.

The ongoing tour has not been a good one for the all-rounder, Moeen Ali. He missed the first two-practice games and was doubtful for the first Test as well. When he got a chance to play the first two games, he could per perform as per the expectations with the ball. He just has two wickets in four innings Australia have batted.

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Ashes 2017/18: Skipper Moeen Ali Not To Bowl In Practice Game Ahead Of Perth Test 2 — Mark Wood. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

There are talks that England should drop him for the third Test, the chances for which are highly unlikely. Though they can add Mark Wood in the playing XI, who will be playing this practice game. If Wood can impress the management, then he can walk in the playing XI. In that case, Moeen Ali might have to vacate his spot.

Moeen Ali is the only player from England’s playing XI from the second Test who will be playing this practice game. All other players have been given rest.

England are currently trailing in the five-match Test series by a margin of 0-2. They have an uphill task going into the Perth Test to keep the series alive. Should they win the third Test, they will have still two Tests to play and hope for a win in those games as well.

The third Test of the series starts on December 14 in Perth. The fourth and the fifth Test will start on December 26 and January 4 in Melbourne and Sydney respectively.