Moeen Ali struggled with a groin injury while batting on day one of the fifth Ashes Test match at the Kia Oval today (July 27) and did not take the field when England came out to bowl.

England issued an updated on the spinner’s condition during the evening session, which stated: “Moeen Ali has a right groin injury. He will continue to be assessed and will not field for the rest of today.”

On Friday morning, another update was issued, which said: “England spinner Moeen Ali will not field today following his right groin injury sustained batting on day one of this Test. He will continue to be assessed by the England medical team.”

Earlier, Moeen required medical attention while he was batting, in obvious pain and unable to run properly between the wickets. As a result, he changed his approach after Lunch and went on the attack to negate the need to run singles. He hit Pat Cummins for two sixes before he was dismissed by Todd Murphy for 34 off 47 balls.

His approach drew questions from Mark Butcher on the Sky Sports commentary, who said: “Would you consider perhaps getting him off the field? Giving him some treatment instead of throwing your wicket away? Maybe call on the next batter, go in and try and get your groin sorted out so that you can come out and play normally again.”

Moeen’s time spent off the field is currently near the two-hour mark. If he is able play a part for England with the ball tomorrow, or over the rest of the match, he will have to spend the same amount of time on the field without bowling as he did off it. That could throw a curve-ball into England’s bowling plans. While they have four specialist seam bowlers, Moeen has picked up important breakthroughs for England over the series.

Joe Root could be in action as their backup spinner. He bowled well in the fading light at Old Trafford and dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for 111. Ben Stokes, England captain, was also seen practicing his off-breaks ahead of the game.

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