STEVE Rhodes says there is a "good chance" Moeen Ali will be available to play some early season cricket for Worcestershire.

Worcestershire's director of cricket received notification of provisional dates for which the England all-rounder may be made available by the ECB in a meeting with director of England cricket Andrew Strauss.

But any final decision will take place after the centrally contracted Moeen and his team-mates return from the current ODI series in the West Indies.

England are next in action in early May with two ODIs against Ireland and then a white ball series versus South Africa ahead of the ICC Trophy in June.

Rhodes said: "Is there any chance of Moeen being available for Worcestershire? There is.

"We had provisional dates explained to us by Andrew Strauss at a meeting as to when people might be available to play who are part of all formats for England.

"We have got an idea but it is all subject to how fit they are and whether they are rested up but he will play some cricket as long as he is fit to play early season which is great.

"Everything is one stage at a time and he is contracted primarily to England and we have to fall in line.

"But for the supporters, there is a good chance of Moeen Ali playing some cricket early season for Worcestershire."

Last season Moeen was able to play three early season County Championship matches and averaged 91 with a top score of 136 against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

His last appearance for the County was in the Royal London One-Day Cup quarter-final against Somerset at Taunton last August.