NEWS
Follow UsEngland all-rounder Moeen Ali is set to retire from Test cricket and has already informed skipper Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood of his decision. The decision was taken in a bid to prolong his white-ball career.
"I'm 34 now and I want to play for as long as I can and I just want to enjoy my cricket," Moeen said.
"Test cricket is amazing, when you're having a good day it's better than any other format by far, it's more rewarding and you feel like you've really earned it."
"I will miss just walking out there with the lads, playing against best in the world with that feeling of nerves but also from a bowling point of view, knowing with my best ball I could get anyone out. I've enjoyed Test Cricket but that intensity can be too much sometimes and I feel like I've done enough of it and I'm happy and content with how I've done," he added.
It is believed that he is not comfortable staying away from his family for long periods of time. The 34-year-old has represented England in 64 Tests since making his debut in 2014 and has scored 2,914 runs at 28.29. With the ball, he has 195 wickets to his name at an average of 36.66.
Moeen, who had not played Tests since Ashes 2019, was recalled for the recent series against India. It is given to understand that he had made up his mind well before ECB handed out Covid protocols for the Ashes. Moeen is currently in the UAE, plying his trade with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.
Along with playing in limited-overs for England, he will continue to play county cricket for Worcestershire and domestic T20 tournaments. He remains part of England's plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.
Moeen could have been the 15th player in Test history to score 3,000 runs and pick up 200 wickets, but the fifth Test in Manchester was called off due to Covid cases in the Indian camp.
