ENGLAND all-rounder Moeen Ali believes the captaincy could bring the best out of his Worcestershire team-mate Joe Leach.

Moeen had a spell as the County's vice-captain under the leadership of Daryl Mitchell and understands the demands of the top role.

“I am sure it will be tough for Joe because it’s not easy being captain in all three formats,” said Moeen.

“Mitch was doing a great job and was a great captain and it’s going to be tough to follow him.

“But I am sure Mitch will help him along the way and Joe is going to need the help.

“But I am sure Joe will bring his own style. He’s different so it will probably bring the best out of him.”

Moeen, 29, will play in Worcestershire’s Specsavers County Championship Division Two match against Northamptonshire at New Road from April 21.

He will also feature in the Royal London One-Day Cup matches against Notts Outlaws, Leicestershire Foxes and Northamptonshire Steelbacks before returning to England duty.

“We have started to produce players coming through our academy at Worcestershire and need to keep doing that,” said Moeen.

“It’s very important for the next batch of County players to look up to me and Joe Clarke and other guys who have played for the Lions.”

Moeen has recharged his batteries after a gruelling 12 months of international cricket and is excited about England’s summer schedule.

They will be aiming to win the ICC Champions Trophy on home soil and a packed programme also includes Test matches with the West Indies and South Africa.

“It’s going to be a great summer, especially having home advantage for the Champions Trophy,” said Moeen.

“The competition is something we have been building up to for the last couple of years so hopefully we can go on and win it. The Champions Trophy and Test matches against South Africa will be great.

“South Africa are a very good side and playing well. It will be a tough series and that’s what’s going to make it so exciting.”

Moeen burst on to the international scene in 2014 and has played 37 Tests, 52 one-day internationals and 22 T20 matches for England.

“Having a summer like this is what you play county cricket for,” said Moeen.

“To be involved with Worcestershire and play in a tournament like the Champions Trophy and Test matches against South Africa and West Indies is fantastic.

“It’s something you always dream about and it’s what you want to be doing as a professional cricketer and strive for. After a short break I now feel ready to hit the ground running.”