London: England’s star all-rounder Moeen Ali announced his retirement from Test cricket, ECB confirms on Monday. However, Ali will continue to play white-ball cricket for the national side.
“I just felt like I was done, especially during the India series,” said Moeen on the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) website, referring to the recent five-match Test series that was played between India and England.
“I was hoping to play the last one, there were a couple of milestones I wanted to try and get in this series. But once that game was called off I was happy and done. It’s been a good journey,” he further said.
England's Moeen Ali has called time on his Test career.
Details 👇
— ICC (@ICC) September 27, 2021
The 34-year-old Moeen has played 64 Test matches, taking 195 wickets including 5 five-wicket hauls. He also has five Test centuries to his name, scoring a total of 2914 runs in his spectacular career in the longest format. He was the third-highest wicket-taker in the current England team behind James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Moeen said that he wants to prolong his career and that the intensity of Test cricket does take a mental and emotional toll. He further stated that he wants to enjoy his remaining days in cricket and mentioned that he has done enough in the longest format of the game. “I’m 34 now and I want to play for as long as I can and I just want to enjoy my cricket. Test cricket is amazing, when you’re having a good day it’s better than any other format by far. 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.”
Majestic with the bat 🏏
Match-winner with the ball 🔴#ThankYouMo 👏 pic.twitter.com/oqCmLQTbj6
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 27, 2021
“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 further said.
