Today, Birmingham Phoenix have announced that Moeen Ali will captain their men’s team for the first season of The Hundred. The World Cup winner grew up just a short distance from Edgbaston, which will host the men’s Birmingham Phoenix home matches, and remains a much-loved member of the local community.
When asked about being named captain Moeen said: “I grew up in this area and to be the first-ever men’s captain of Birmingham Phoenix in a new and inclusive competition that will reach out to communities and welcome them in is very special for me.
“Every time that I come to Edgbaston it takes me back to some great first memories of coming here at a very young age.
He also added: “I know how much of a uniting game cricket is and as a leader of the Birmingham Phoenix that is something I definitely want to promote.”
Ali’s local popularity was something that Birmingham Phoenix men’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, also acknowledged, claiming that it felt “fitting” that he will captain the men’s Birmingham Phoenix team.
McDonald said: “He’s involved in the local community in Birmingham and I know how much of a popular figure he is at Worcestershire too, so I’m sure his efforts on and off the field will help inspire the next generation from our region and beyond to get involved in cricket.”
However, McDonald was also quick to praise Ali’s cricketing abilities as well, hailing him as “a fantastic all-rounder” with the required “experience and temperament to lead the team.”
Ali has an excellent record as a captain in short format cricket, having led Worcestershire Rapids to the past two Vitality Blast finals at Edgbaston, including their victory in 2018.
Moeen will lead a star-studded team that includes fellow Brummie and World Cup winner, Chris Woakes, as well as promising England bowler Pat Brown and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.
When asked about the quality of the team Ali said: “We are lucky to have some of the best players in the country in our squad but also some amazing overseas players, so we know that the cricket is going to be really exciting.”
The Hundred starts on the 17th of July, with the initial ticket priority window currently open until February 28.
