WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids captain and England bowler Moeen Ali has returned to the county ahead of the Vitality Blast, that begins next Wednesday.

Ali is set to play for Worcestershire Seconds in part of the doubleheader against his former County, Warwickshire, at Barnt Green on Thursday (Behind Closed Doors).

It will form part of his preparation for the Blast, which gets underway next Wednesday with a mouth-watering home clash against reigning champions Nottinghamshire at New Road.

The all-rounder will be returning to action for the first time in more than a month since enjoying a successful spell with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Moeen, who is 34 later this month, scored 206 runs at an average of 34.33 and a strike rate of 157.25 and picked up five wickets at an economy rate of 6.16.

He bowed out with 58 against Mumbai Indians on May 1 before the competition was put on ice until later in the year because of COVID-19.

Coach Kadeer Ali says it will be an “amazing experience” for the younger players in the seconds.

Kadeer said: “Moeen is to play for the Seconds against Warwickshire. He will probably play one out of the two matches, and we are looking forward to having him around.

“It will be an amazing experience for the lads to have Moeen in the same dressing room and for the Academy lads involved to play with Moeen, with his experience and skill he has.

“We are hoping he plays two or three games before the Blast starts to get into the groove and have some game time.

“He is looking forward to representing Worcestershire again, and he is buzzing and itching to go.”