Ali Rules Out Return To Test Cricket

England all-rounder, Moeen Ali, has revealed that he would not be making a return to Test cricket but would now focus on other cricket formats. He made this known after having a conversation with coach Brendon McCullum. This is coming just a few days after Ali stood in for Jos Buttler as England’s captain in their T20 series against Pakistan. 

England’s recent Tour of Pakistan saw them under heavy security, as it was their first visit to Pakistan in over a decade. 

Ali first made known his decision to quit Test cricket around September last year. However, he said that back in June, Coach McCullum had tried to talk him back into reconsidering Test cricket, and he considered retiring. But after the recent Tour of Pakistan, he was sure he would prefer to remain retired. Part of the reasons for that was, according to him, he could not give Test cricket his all but would rather enjoy other cricket formats. 

Taking to a column in the Daily Mail, Ali wrote: “I’ve had an honest chat with Baz (McCullum), and I can’t see myself being stuck in hotels for another month and playing to the best of my ability,” Moeen wrote in his column for the Daily Mail on Monday.

“Baz phoned me, we spoke at length, and I said, ‘Sorry, I’m done.’ He understands; he knows the feeling. Test cricket is hard work. I’m 35, and something’s got to give. 

“I want to enjoy my cricket, and it wouldn’t be fair to reverse my decision and then struggle to give it my all. With the hectic limited-overs schedule and the franchise leagues, I’ve committed to any opportunity to spend time with my family is precious.

“It’s time to close the door on that side of my career. To play 64 tests for England has been a privilege and a dream fulfilled.”

While Moeen retires from Test cricket, he would be occupied with preparing for the T20 World Cup and involving himself in other T20 leagues around the world.