Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes that England are in a stronger position than before after all-rounder Moeen Ali comes out of his retirement to replace the injured spinner Jack Leach.

"I think it makes us stronger. Which is hard on Jack, because he was doing a good job with the ball. But it extends the batting, which is important. And with all their lefties we've got an off-spinner bowling at them,” Swann said.

"Jack does a similar thing every game: he holds an end up and does a job. There are still areas I think he could be better and he does things differently to how I did, but he's playing a role in a team.

"If you've got seamers who are attacking all the time - if you've got Stokesy's bouncer theory coming in - then you need a spinner who can go around three an over rather than one going at sixes. It is a loss, but you've got Mo, who extends the batting... and they've got so many left handers,” he added.

The ECB announced Moeen's recall on Wednesday morning, following meetings between Moeen and England's captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum, and managing director Rob Key during the previous few days.

"The very fact that Baz and Stokesy are in charge makes it easy for him. They've said, 'You come in and all your positive attributes are what we're after' - none of the hang-ups of anything that has happened before.

"I'm sure he's just been given a licence to run up and bowl, and spin it as hard as he can, and bat the way he can. I'm glad to see him back: he's still brilliant. I watched him in the IPL. He's mercurial, sure, but he's still a brilliant talent. I think having his tyres pumped up by Baz and Stokesy and coming into a dressing room with guys he has grown up with, who play in the same free-spirited way, will suit him down to the ground - and that is why he's come back,” Swann further said.