England's spin bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali on Monday announced retirement from Test cricket to prolong his career in white-ball formats, saying he is "content" despite the widespread belief that he could have achieved a lot more. The 34-year-old leaves the Test arena with 2,914 runs in 64 matches at an average of 28.29.
Besides his five centuries with the bat, Ali has taken 195 wickets with his off-spin bowling at an average of 36.66 since his Test debut in 2014. "I'm 34 now and I want to play for as long as I can and I just want to enjoy my cricket," Ali said.
"Test cricket is amazing, when you're having a good day it's better than any other format by far, it's more rewarding and you feel like you've really earned it." Ali had already informed his England captain Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood of his decision.
"I will miss just walking out there with the lads, playing against best in the world with that feeling of nerves but also from a bowling point of view, knowing with my best ball I could get anyone out. "I've enjoyed Test cricket but that intensity can be too much sometimes and I feel like I've done enough of it and I'm happy and content with how I've done."
Ali, who has not played a lot of Test cricket since the 2019 Ashes, was recalled for the recent home series against India. He was apparently not comfortable with the thought of staying away from family for extended periods.
He had made up his mind even before the Coid-19 protocols were shared with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the Ashes tour to Australia. According to a press release issued by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Ali hopes that his Test career will inspire and open the door for other British Muslims to play for England.
