ENGLAND'S Moeen Ali will return to playing for Worcestershire in preparation for this summer's Ashes.

The all-rounder has been left out of the 14-man England squad for the five-match Royal London one-day international series against New Zealand, beginning next Tuesday at Edgbaston and ending on Saturday, June 20.

It means the 27-year-old should be available for the next LV= County Championship Division One match against rivals Warwickshire at New Road, starting on Sunday, June 14.

Moeen only scored 1 and 2 batting at number eight as England lost the second Test to New Zealand by 199 runs at Headingley after being bowled out for 255 in their second innings.

National selector James Whitaker said: “We have opted to rest Moeen from this series and he will play cricket for Worcestershire in preparation for the Ashes next month."

Eoin Morgan will lead a squad containing one uncapped player, Kent's Sam Billings, in the 50-over format.