The first match of the Ashes series is underway. England all-rounder Moeen Ali returned to Test cricket after almost two years with this match. But after using "a drying agent on his bowling hand" on the second day of the Test, Moeen has been penalized 25% of his match fee and one demerit point in his return to red-ball cricket.

The England all-rounder was found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and fined 25 percent of his match fee from the first Test against Australia. Demerit points have also been added.

Moeen violated Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with conduct contrary to the spirit of the game. Moeen pleaded guilt and accepted Andy Pycroft's suggested punishment for the offense. "In reaching his decision to sanction the player, the match referee was satisfied that Ali had used the spray only to dry his hands," the ICC said.

"The spray was not used as an artificial substance on the ball and consequently it had not changed the condition of the ball, which would have been in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions - Unfair Play - The Match Ball - Changing its Condition."

The incident took place in the 89th over on the second day of the match (June 17). Moeen used a spray on the right arm without taking permission from the umpire. The ICC stated that the spray applied by Moeen was not used to change the condition of the ball. Mainly because of not taking the umpire's permission, Moeen has to count the penalty.

Moeen also took two wickets on the second day. With this match, he returned to Test after breaking his retirement. The all-rounder last played a Test match in September 2021. England talked about bringing him back at various times since his retirement. Finally, Ben Stokes requested Moeen to come back for the sake of the team when English spinner Jack Leach got injured before the Ashes. Moeen returned by responding to his friend's call.