ENGLAND all-rounder Moeen Ali says he is delighted to be back playing for Worcestershire for a three-game spell.
Moeen is available for a trio of Specsavers County Championship matches after a hectic winter with England which culminated in the ICC World T20 final.
His exploits in the 20-over version of the game have even increased his appetite for a spell in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the future.
Moeen was reunited with his county team-mates during the washed-out game with Kent and he will return to action in the clash with Gloucestershire at Bristol starting today (Sunday).
The 28-year-old said: “It’s great to be back and I was looking forward to this all year.
“It’s been a while since I came back to New Road and it was just nice to sit on the balcony on a nice day and see the boys, beat a couple of boys on the ‘FIFA’ game! It’s great to be back.
“I’ve got three games which will be great and hopefully I’ll get some form with the bat and ball and put my hand up for selection in the Test series (with Sri Lanka) and things like that.
“I can’t wait to get playing and knowing I’m going to play in these three games is something I can really look forward to and do the best I can.
“Did I slot back into the dressing room OK? I just had to let the guys know I was back and put them in their place a little bit! It was great to be back and the guys are always brilliant.
“Ever since I came here eight years ago, it has always been the best changing room I’ve played in. It is an amazing place to come and play cricket and the best ground in the country.”
Moeen was part of the England side edged out in the ICC T20 final by the West Indies.
Now the T20 focus is on the IPL for the next few weeks and Moeen is keen to eventually test his skills on that stage.
“I think at some stage every player would like to play IPL and all the other tournaments around the world,” he said.
“Obviously the most important thing is to play for England and make sure you are ready and fresh for your country before anything else.
“If the opportunity comes in the future, then I’d love to play,” Moeen added.