London: England’s versatile versatile player, Moeen Ali, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday to extend his career in white ball formats, saying he was “satisfied” despite the widespread belief that he could achieve much more.
The 34-year-old leaves the Test arena with 2,914 runs in 64 games at an average of 28.29. In addition to his five centuries with the bat, Ali has taken 195 wickets since his Test debut in 2014 with his spin bowling averaging 36.66.
“I’m 34 now and I want to play as long as possible, and I just want to enjoy my cricket,” Ali said. “Test cricket is incredible; if you’re having a good day, it’s far better than any other format, it’s more rewarding and you feel like you really deserve it.”
Ali has already notified his captain, England, Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood of his decision. ‘I will miss just walking out there with the boys, playing against the best in the world with the feeling of nerves, but also from a bowling point of view, because I know with my best ball that I can beat anyone take out. I enjoyed Test cricket, but the intensity can sometimes be too much, and I feel like I’ve done enough of it and I’m happy and satisfied with how I did it. ”
Ali, who has not played much Test cricket since the ashes of 2019, has been recalled for the recent home series against India. He was apparently not comfortable with the idea of staying away from the family for long periods of time.
He decided even before the Covid-19 protocols were shared with the English and Welsh Cricket Board (ECB) for the Ashes tour to Australia.
According to a press release issued by the English and Welsh Cricket Board (ECB), Ali hopes that his Test career will inspire and open the door for other British Muslims to play for England. ‘It always takes someone to inspire you or someone to think if he can do it, and I hope there are some people who think that. I know he was not English, but someone like Hashim Amla, when I first saw him, I thought that if he could do it, it would take the little spark. ”
‘I would like to say one day in 8-10 years that Moeen made it easier for me. There were guys in front of me who made it easier, so you hope to open the door for someone else. ”
He is currently in the UAE and plays for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Ali will continue to play white ball cricket for England, county cricket for Worcestershire and local 20 tournaments.
He remains part of England’s plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.
Source: Telangana Today