England's Moeen Ali Eager To Return To Test Cricket Despite Feeling Like A 'Scapegoat' Earlier

English all-rounder Moeen Ali has expressed his eagerness to return to Test cricket after he opted out of the Test team last year as he felt like a scapegoat. It is notable that to the shock of cricket fans all across the globe, Moeen Ali announced in September 2019 that he will be taking a break from Test cricket to focus more on the limited-overs format.

Ali had a disastrous 2019 World Cup and was concerned over his form in white-ball cricket. Ali’s decision was a big blow for England cricket as well. They suffered a lack of spin option in their rank. In Tests, they did not have any reliable option. Moeen missed the Test matches during England’s winter tours of New Zealand and South Africa after taking a spell away from the most extended format of the game.

Now, Ali has hinted at a possible return to the Test squad after the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end and cricketing action resumes for England.

Moeen Ali Eager To Play Test Cricket For England Once Again

The 32-year-old, who continued to play limited-overs matches for England, has been reflecting on his absence during the coronavirus lockdown and suggested he would be willing to return to Tests if selected when cricket eventually resumes.

“I think I’d probably be ready (to play Test cricket) now, to be honest. Clearly I would have to be playing well and win a spot back on merit,” Moeen told the Guardian.

“But in terms of being available – and obviously I’m speaking hypothetically – if there was a Test match tomorrow and I got the call, I’d say ‘yes’,” he added.

“We’re all missing cricket right now and coronavirus makes you realise what you love. It could take out the whole summer and that would be a big thing,” Ali further said.

I Have Moved On From The Past: Moeen Ali

Moeen was dropped after the first Test against Australia last year and admitted to feeling like a scapegoat. He has played 60 Tests for England, scoring five centuries and taking 181 wickets.

“When you find yourself surrounded by a few negative comments, somehow it’s all you can focus on. You have to be mentally stronger and filter more of it out,” Moeen said.

“It’s almost been a case of forgiving anyone who has ever said anything I didn’t like and now looking to start afresh when we get back playing. I may have felt a scapegoat at times in the past but I’m over it now. It’s time to move on,” he concluded.

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