Moeen Ali
Image Credits: Twitter

Moeen Ali has ruled out the possibility of making a Test comeback on England’s tour of Pakistan later this year. Writing in the Daily Mail, he said it was “time to close the door on that side of my career”. Earlier this year, Ali had stated that he was interested in playing Tests again under new regime of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

Moeen revealed in June that he had “unretired” from Test cricket after a conversation with the new head coach, Brendon McCullum. He previously called time on the format in 2021, saying that he didn’t feel “fully wholeheartedly into it”.

In the absence of injured Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali recently captained England to a 4-3 series win in seven T20Is against Pakistan in what was their first tour to the Asian country since 2005.

Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali. (Photo: Twitter)

‘Nah, Sorry, I’m Done’- Moeen Ali On What He Told Brendon McCullum When Asked About His Test Return

England will return to Pakistan in December after the T20 World Cup 2022 to play three Tests which will be their first in 17 years. And Moeen Ali, writing in Daily Mail, confirmed that he will not be coming to Pakistan for the red-ball leg.

That’s a trip I won’t be making sadly. It’s not something I’m keen on doing any more. I’ve had an honest chat with Baz [McCullum] about the tour and I really can’t see myself being stuck in hotels for another month and playing Test cricket to the best of my ability.

“I Am 35, Test Cricket Is Hard Work”- Moeen Ali Closes Door On Test Comeback

Baz phoned me and we spoke at length and I just said, ‘Nah, sorry, I’m done’ and he understands. He knows the feeling. Yes, I said I was ‘unretired’ in the summer and watching the boys, I got the feeling I properly miss this and that this is how I’ve always wanted to play the game.

But the more I thought about it and discussed with those close to me, I knew deep down why I was done. Test cricket is hard work. I don’t think my mindset would be any different even if the restrictions were lifted in Pakistan. I’m 35 now and something’s got to give,” Moeen wrote.

To Play 64 Test Matches For England Has Been A Privilege: Moeen Ali

Ali said that the attraction of playing under McCullum and Stokes was something that led to him unretiring from Tests, but then his involvement in T20 leagues all over impacted on his desire to make a return in the longest format.

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Moeen Ali. Photo- IPL
Moeen Ali. Photo- IPL

“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. But for me, it’s time to close the door on that side of my career. To play 64 Test matches for England has been a privilege and a dream fulfilled,” he wrote.

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