England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who announced his retirement from the longer format last September, has reversed his decision after speaking to new England coach Brendon McCullum and due to family connections.
Ali has confirmed that the door is open for his return to Test cricket when England tour Pakistan this year. The 34-year-old announced that he’s “officially unretired” from Tests following a discussion with McCullum.
He retired from the longer format in September last year after bagging 195 wickets in his career from 64 Tests and scoring 2914 runs at an average of 28.29 with five centuries. At the time of retirement, he revealed he no longer enjoyed playing red-ball cricket.
However, things have taken a new turn since the appointment of McCullum as England’s head coach. Ali shares a good bond with the Kiwi, and his attacking style goes well with Moeen’s natural game.
Speaking on Test Match Special on Saturday, Moeen had said he’s having a conversation with McCullum, and the door is open down the line for future tours. On June 12, he confirmed that the talk between the two was positive, and he couldn’t say no to the head coach. He looks forward to playing under the leadership of Ben Stokes and McCullum.
“I spoke to McCullum this morning, and we did discuss Pakistan this winter. The door is always open, and yeah, I suppose I am officially unretired,”
“He is a very difficult person to say no to. I find that very, very hard. I would love to play under him and Ben Stokes.”
he said.
One of the other reasons behind Moeen’s reversal of the decision was his family heritage. He is excited to visit Pakistan as a part of England’s touring party.
“I have played the PSL out there a few years ago but it’s not the same. To travel with an England side there having family background from that part of the world will be amazing,”
the player said.
England are scheduled to play a three-match Test series in Pakistan as a part of the Test championship in November-December 2022. Before that they will travel to the country for seven T20Is in October.
