Although my career has been a bit up and down, I wouldn't change it : Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali retired from Test cricket in September 2021 but returned for the Ashes 2023 with England finding them in a troubled situation on the back of Jack Leach’s injury. They had no quality spinner to rely upon for the home series against Australia, so when Ben Stokes sent Moeen Ali a message, he couldn’t say No. 

While it was a one-off thing, the Birmingham all-rounder has been steadfast in not committing to Test cricket again despite requests from Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

"They knew from the start," Moeen said, reported ESPN Cricinfo. 

"Especially when those India venues came out! Baz asked me again when I had my day off on the second day. I said no. I'm not going [to India]. There's no way I'm going. That's me done. It's nice to finish like this and be part of an amazing day."

Multiple injuries during the series threatened his bid for the series as first, Moeen suffered a groin strain while batting on the first day of the fifth Test. He returned to bowl in the second innings and even managed to pick up three wickets to bow out of the arena on a high.

"Test cricket is the best cricket. I wish I could rewind time. Although my career has been up and down, I wouldn't change it. I've loved it. I would have regretted it later in life. It was daunting because I've never done well against Australia. 

"I still don't believe I've done that well, but it was great to finish like this. It was daunting, but I had nothing to lose, it was a free hit. I had a call from Baz and Stokesy, I felt like I was bowling alright, but the finger was the only issue. I wasn't worried about the bowling,” Moeen added.