WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Daryl Mitchell believes Moeen Ali’s number eight berth in England’s batting line-up gives Alastair Cook’s men “phenomenal depth” in the Ashes.

Moeen has scored two vital half-centuries against Australia as England head into the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, starting today (11am), with a 2-1 series lead and a chance to regain the fa - mous Urn.

Birmingham-born Moeen, 28, has played in 14 Test matches so far, scoring 646 runs at a healthy average of 30.76.

Mitchell said: “Moeen played some good shots in the last Test at Edgbaston and, in the situation of the game, it was a really important innings.”

Moeen (59) and Broad (31) joined forces with England at 190-7 in the first innings and the left-handers’ stand of 87 in 19.3 overs turned the game in the hosts’ favour.

Mitchell said: “It was a vital knock and, with Moeen batting at eight, it gives England phenomenal depth in their batting.

“He’s more than capable of doing what he did in that Test. From Moeen’s point of view, I am sure he would like to be batting higher — and in the top six — because he is a batsman.

“But, from an England point of view, it’s great to have him coming in lower down to give depth to the bat - ting.

“It also gives Moeen a lit - tle bit of freedom to express himself and play his shots perhaps a bit more freely and I think that suits his game.

“He’s got all the shots in the book and is a phenomenal player to watch when he gets going.

“He’s certainly entertaining the crowds. I think Mo is just happy to be playing for England.

“It’s a big honour for him and he loves being in that squad and I am sure he would do any role he is asked to.”

England won the first Test at Cardiff by 169 runs and suffered a 405-run battering at Lord’s before bouncing back to triumph at Edgbaston by eight wickets.

Worcestershire-born Mitchell, 31, said: “There have been some very one-sided games and tosses and turns from game to game.

“A key part of that has been because neither side look like they have batted particularly well throughout the series.

“There have been some stand-out performances from the likes of Steven Smith and Chris Rogers at Lord’s and Joe Root did well for England at Cardiff.

“But, as a group, I don’t think either side has batted particularly well, which has made for some very entertaining cricket.”

However, England will have to cope without swing bowler James Anderson, who suffered a side injury in the last Test.

“It’s been good to watch. England are on top and it’s all to play for at Trent Bridge with the Ashes on the line and a chance to regain them,” added Mitchell.

“Jimmy’s record at Trent Bridge is phenomenal and he will be a big loss for England as he’s probably the most skilful bowler in the world.

“But, hopefully, Mark Wood will be fit and he’s got an opportunity to come back in.”

England captain Alastair Cook confirmed Wood had been pencilled in to replace Anderson with seamers Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt added to the squad.