DIRECTOR of cricket Steve Rhodes is hoping Moeen Ali’s involvement in the Bangladesh Premier League will hold him in good stead ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old Worcestershire star has linked up with Duronto Rajshahi in the Twenty20 competiton, which runs until mid-February.

Moeen, one of the County’s top performers last season despite their relegation from LV= County Championship Division One, has cut short a club cricket stint in South Africa to travel to Bangladesh.

He was out for a duck in Duronto Rajshahi’s two-run victory over Chittagong Kings but scored 24 off 35 balls in a four-wicket defeat to Sylhet Royals.

Moeen is next due to be in action against the Dhaka Gladiators today.

Rhodes said: “It will be a good opportunity for him to get some more experience in Twenty20.

“If that means he comes back a better player then that’s good.

“It’s their number one Twenty20 competition.

“To go and experience playing against some decent players and teams is going to be good for his all-round development as a cricketer.”

Moeen averaged 24.38 with the bat and 40.20 with the ball in eight Friends Life t20 matches last term, and will be looking to return to New Road the better for his experience.

Rhodes added: “Twenty20 is still in its infancy and every year we feel we are learning more about it as coaches and players. The more we play it, the more we learn about it.”