Birmingham Phoenix men’s team captain Moeen Ali is set to return for the final of The Hundred at Lord’s on Saturday, having played for England in the recent LV= Insurance Test match.

Ali, who scored 189 runs and took four wickets for Birmingham Phoenix in the opening six games of The Hundred, returns to Birmingham Phoenix with the team group winners of the men’s competition ready to face either Southern Brave or Trent Rockets in the final at Lord’s.

“Mo is a world class player and having him return as our captain is a great boost as we go into Saturday’s final of The Hundred,” said Birmingham Phoenix men’s Head Coach Dan Vettori.

“He’s put in match winning performances and is an inspiration to this young team as we bid to bring The Hundred trophy back to Edgbaston on Saturday. We’re over the moon to have him back.”

Moeen Ali said: “I’ve loved every minute of The Hundred and captaining Birmingham Phoenix, as my home team in the tournament, has been an honour.

“Livi has done a fantastic job in leading from the front in the last two games and in getting us over the line to secure our place at Lord’s. I can’t wait to join back up with the squad and pushing us forward, hopefully to a first title.”

Moeen Ali

Also ahead of the men’s final of The Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix have secured Durham batter David Bedingham as replacement for opener Finn Allen who joins up with the New Zealand squad for the T20 International series in Bangladesh.