Moeen Ali "officially unretires" from Test cricket

The England all-rounder Moeen Ali has confirmed a U-turn on his decision to retire from Test cricket. “I suppose I am officially unretired,” Moeen said during the third day’s play for the ongoing Test between England and New Zealand at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

The all-rounder had earlier announced his retirement from Test cricket in September last year, representing England in 64 Tests. He has 195 wickets to his name alongside scoring 2914 Test runs, including five hundreds. 

Moeen had then cited tiredness from the longest format of the game behind his retirement. However, as Moeen told, conversations with England’s new red-ball cricket coach, Brendon McCullum got him thinking about making himself available for Test selection again. 

"He is a very difficult person to say no to. I find that very, very hard. He is very convincing and to be honest I would love to play under him and Ben Stokes. They are both very aggressive and I think I would suit their cricket a bit more,” Moeen explained his call.

He is willing to return to Test cricket for England’s tour of Pakistan this winter. In fact, playing in the country of his family heritage played a part in the decision. 

“We [him and McCullum] did discuss Pakistan this winter,” Moeen said. 

"I have played Pakistan Super League out there a few years ago but it's not the same. To travel with an England side there having a family background from that part of the world will be amazing. It would be a historic event because of England not touring there for so many years. It's really something that's very appealing for sure."

Earlier this year, Usman Khawaja, Australia’s Islamabad-born batter, toured Pakistan and enjoyed immense support from the local crowd. 

England last played Test cricket in Pakistan in 2005. Moeen was 18 years old then and his cousin brother Kabir Ali was a part of the ODI side of that tour. His return means he is the highest wicket-taker among active spinners for England in Test cricket. His tally of 195 wickets is followed by Jack Leach with 81 Test wickets.