Moeen Ali braced for the worst as selectors prepare to name England squad for second Ashes Test

Moeen Ali was on Friday facing an anxious wait to see whether he would be involved in the England squad for next week’s Ashes Test at Lord’s.

The selectors met on Friday morning to consider their options for the Second Test, with England 1-0 down in the five-Test series after Australia’s 251-run victory at Edgbaston.

Moeen’s difficult summer hit another low in the First Test, as he struggled to make an impact with either bat or ball.

He was dismissed for nought and four - both times by the off-spin of Nathan Lyon - and when bowling he failed to give England the menace or control required on a turning track.

Were Moeen to be left out, left-arm spinner Jack Leach would be confident of making his Ashes debut.

Elsewhere, Jofra Archer was expected to be retained in the squad after coming through a Sussex 2nd XI fixture this week.

The paceman would be another Ashes debutant, replacing James Anderson, who suffered a recurrence of a calf injury at Edgbaston.

It is unclear when England’s most prolific Test bowler will be able to return.

Joe Denly was another unsure of his spot after his underwhelming performance with the bat in the First Test.

England have not lost a home Ashes series since 2001 but Australia will fancy their chances of going 2-0 up after their dominant display last week.