WORCESTERSHIRE’S Moeen Ali has been included in the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s starting next Thursday.

The all-rounder is part of the County squad for the current four-day game against the Black Caps at New Road.

Moeen played in the final two Tests against the West Indies after missing the opening match of the drawn series with a side strain suffered during the ICC World Cup.

Worcestershire were left frustrated today by a first day wash-out against the ICC World Cup finalists.

Persistent rain from about 9am showed no sign of re - lenting and play was eventually called off at 1.50pm.

Play is due to start at 11am tomorrow and the weather forecast also looks much better for Saturday and Sunday.

Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale said: “To be honest, the rain on the first day has been forecast for about the last week. They are a lot better at forecasting things than it used to be.

“But the weather is a lot better for tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday so we should get some decent cricket."