Moeen Ali announces Test retirement after Ashes 2023 says “If Stokesy messages me again, will delete it”
Ashes 2023: England all-rounder Moeen Ali has decided to end his Test career. Moeen announced that the Oval Test match against Australia, in which he took three key wickets in the fourth innings, would be his final contest in the longest version of the game. The all-rounder made a joke about deleting any further messages from Stokes asking him to join the England team.
“If I get a message from Stokesy again, I’m going to delete it,” Moeen told the BBC after the Oval Test match.
“It feels amazing. To come back was obviously a little bit daunting because I’ve never played that well against Australia and it was one of those things when Stokesy asked me I thought: “Why not, I’m going to go into a brillant side and I still believe I can do alright,” and it’s just great to be back part of this amazing team,” Moeen told BBC after the game.
The seasoned all-rounder had initially announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2021, but Jack Leach’s terrible injury caused things to take an unexpected turn. Discussions with England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, who were crucial in getting him to change his mind, made it easier for him to return.
I’m so glad I came back and said yes: Moeen Ali on coming out of retirement for a special Ashes series
“I’m so glad I came back and said yes. Just from the first day I came back into the changing room with Baz and Stokesy and to play again with Broad and Jimmy and Woody, it’s been amazing and I’m chuffed that I can finish with a win against Australia with a bit of a helping hand,” Moeen told the BBC about his experience.
England all-rounder Moeen Ali has decided to end his Test career. Moeen announced that the Oval Test match against Australia, in which he took three key wickets in the fourth innings, would be his final contest in the longest version of the game. The all-rounder made a joke about deleting any further messages from Stokes asking him to join the England team.
Ali did not make his decision to rejoin the England team and end his retirement lightly. In the Ashes 2023 series, Ali served as both England’s No. 3 hitter and primary spinner, a rare all-around position that highlighted his adaptability and talent. Despite his initial hesitancy, Ali flourished in this role, showcasing his skill as a bowler and batsman. Throughout the series, he played a crucial role in several pivotal occasions, including a standout performance in which he claimed the team’s 200th red-ball wicket.
Ali faced some challenges while playing in the Ashes 2023 series. He nearly missed another game due to a groin strain after suffering a finger injury in the first Test match. But he persisted, displaying the same fortitude and will that have defined his career.
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