England's decision to pull Moeen Ali out of retirement

Only the Ashes could cause a selection to be made as hastily as England's decision to pull Moeen Ali out of retirement. Players, captains, and supporters all agree that whatever it takes to field the best squad will be done. That includes bringing a player out of retirement who has a dismal red-ball record against Australia, hasn't participated in red-ball cricket in nearly two years, and just rejected England. 

England and Ben Stokes called up Moeen. England and Ben Stokes realise that this series will define this squad. Under Stokes, England had spent a year assembling a side, but at the last minute, they lost a player who was absolutely essential. Because it is not in Moeen's nature to bowl 25 overs for two 50-run innings, England cannot ask him to perform the same task. However, one may counter that if properly utilised, he would really improve this squad and that Moeen is a better fit for them than Leach.