Moeen Ali's international retirement has left England's white-ball cricket looking like a puzzle missing a piece. His mix of big-hitting and nifty off-spin was a game-changer. Now, England’s on a quest to find the next big thing to fill his shoes. This listicle rounds up the top three contenders who might just be the next Moeen Ali minus the beard, of course.

Will Jacks

Will Jacks is easily the top contender to fill Moeen Ali's shoes in England's white-ball team. A dynamic cricketer, Jacks brings a mix of explosive batting and useful off-spin that closely mirrors Ali's style. While he bats right-handed, his ability to clear the ropes with ease is a hallmark of his game, making him an attractive option for England’s white-ball plans.

Jacks’ versatility as an all-rounder has made him a key figure in England’s T20 and ODI squads. Despite being primarily known for his batting, his off-spin offers a valuable option for the captain in the middle overs. Though his bowling has not been extensively tested at the international level, Jacks has the potential to evolve into a dependable spin option, just as Moeen Ali did over the years.

In his relatively short career so far, Jacks has featured in two Tests, seven ODIs, and 16 T20Is. His numbers in these formats suggest that he is more than ready to take on a bigger role in the future. With more opportunities, he could be the ideal player to fill the gap left by Moeen Ali in England's white-ball cricket.

Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell is another exciting prospect who could potentially take over Moeen Ali’s mantle. The 21-year-old Warwickshire all-rounder is a left-hand batter and right-arm off-spinner, making him a unique option for England’s white-ball team. While his international experience is still in its infancy, Bethell has shown promise in domestic cricket, particularly in England’s T20 leagues.

Bethell’s call-up for the T20I series against Australia shows England's selectors are betting on his potential. While he might not have the mileage of some seasoned pros, his first-class stats a batting average of 25 and a nifty economy rate with the ball hint he could soon be a game-changer.

His inclusion in the Birmingham Phoenix team in The Hundred tournament also gives him a platform to showcase his abilities on a big stage. Given his natural talent and hunger to succeed, Bethell might seize this opportunity and establish himself as a long-term solution in England's white-ball plans.

Dan Mousley

Another uncapped player making waves is Dan Mousley. At just 23, Mousley is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Moeen Ali, especially because of his left-hand batting and off-spin bowling. While his international debut is still pending, his performances in domestic cricket have been impressive enough.

Mousley has the potential to become an important part of England’s future plans. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a well-rounded option, much like Moeen Ali was during his prime. With solid performances in domestic cricket under his belt, Mousley could soon be a regular feature in England's white-ball team.