England hero Moeen Ali is delighted to be back playing for his country and stressed his desire to eventually return to Test cricket.
The Worcestershire CCC all-rounder produced some devastating hitting in England’s two run win over South Africa in the second T20I in Durban.
He struck four sixes in an 11-ball knock of 39 in a series which represents his first international action for six months after taking a break from the game at top level.
The 32-year-old told the BBC Test Match Special podcast: “It was amazing to contribute and finally feel like I am back for England.
“I will not take it for granted.”
Moeen made his last Test appearance six months ago in the First Ashes Test versus Australia at Edgbaston.
As regards being available to again play the five-day format, Moeen said: “I am going to give myself a bit more time. I want to make sure when I come back I am ready and fresh.
“I want to keep enjoying my cricket and get that hunger back because I feel I lost that completely.
“I had no interest in my batting and bowling and when you are in that situation there is no point playing.
“I definitely feel like I am getting there and not far [away]. I want to give myself extra time and know when I come back I will have to fight for my place.”
England play West Indies and Pakistan at home this summer and have a five-Test series against world number one side India next winter.
“I do want to be part of that (India) for sure,” said Moeen, who is England’s fourth highest wicket-taking spinner in Tests.
“I still have huge ambitions for Test cricket.
“It is still the best form of the game and the hardest. I want prove to myself and to other people that I am not a bad Test player.”
