MOEEN Ali launched his comeback from injury with 16 overs in England’s final warm-up match ahead of the Ashes against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville.

The Worcestershire all-rounder missed the opening two games Down Under because of a side strain suffered in Perth.

But the 30-year-old got through three economical spells after captain Matthew Short elected to bat in the four-day fixture.

Moeen ended the day with figures of 16-4-39-0 as Cricket Australia scored 249-9 from 90 overs.

Warwickshire paceman Chris Woakes claimed 6-54.