Ashes 2023: "If Stokesy messages me again, I'm going to delete it,” Moeen Ali confirms Test retirement

Moeen Ali helped England draw the Ashes series against Australia 2-2.

Moeen Ali | GettyMoeen Ali will not be coming out of Test retirement again after helping England draw the Ashes series against Australia 2-2 on Monday (July 31).

Speaking after the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval, Moeen confirmed that it would be his last match in the longest format of cricket.

The all-rounder also quipped that if he gets another message from Ben Stokes to return to the England side, he is going to delete it.

Notably, Moeen had called time on his Test career in 2021 but Stokes persuaded him to reconsider his decision after first-choice spinner Jack Leach got ruled out of all five Ashes Tests due to back injury.

"If Stokesy messages me again, I'm going to delete it. That's me done. I really have enjoyed it, and it's great to finish on it," Moeen told Sky Sports in the aftermath of England's victory at The Oval.

"It feels amazing," Moeen added, speaking to the BBC's Test Match Special. "To come back was a little bit daunting actually, because I've never played that well against Australia. It was one of those things where, when Stokesy asked me, I thought, 'why not? I'm going to go into a brilliant side and I still believe I can do alright'."

Moeen Ali featured in four Ashes Tests, amassing 180 runs from seven innings and returning with nine wickets.

The series saw him not only as England's lead spinner but also their No. 3 batter, a unique all-round role that showcased his versatility and skill.

"I'm so glad I came back and said yes," Moeen added. "Just from the first day I came into the changing room [under] Baz and Stokesy, to play again and be part of this team with Jimmy and Broady, these guys, when I started they were there.

"It's been amazing. I'm chuffed that I can finish with a win against Australia and played a little bit of a helping hand. I've had a good run and I've really enjoyed playing Test cricket for England and representing everybody in this country."

Moeen Ali ended his Test career with 3094 runs from 68 games at an average of 28.12, including five hundreds and 15 half-centuries. He also claimed a total of 204 wickets at 37.31 with five five-wicket hauls.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 01 Aug, 2023

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