Monday, September 27th, 2021

WORCESTERSHIRE STAR MOEEN ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT FROM TEST CRICKET

Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from Test cricket after seven years and 64 appearances for England.

The Worcestershire Rapids Vitality Blast captain will now concentrate on playing white-ball cricket for the remainder of his glittering career.

Moeen informed England Head Coach Chris Silverwood and Test captain Joe Root after making his final Test appearance during the recent series with India.

The 34-year-old scored 2,914 Test runs and picked up 195 wickets – a tally by an England Test spinner only bettered by Derek Underwood (297) and Graeme Swann (255).

Moeen said: “I’m 34 now, and I want to play for as long as I can, and I just want to enjoy my cricket.

“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 earnt it.

“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.”

Moeen made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in 2014 – a match in which the then Worcestershire Head Coach, Steve Rhodes, and Captain, Daryl Mitchell, travelled to give him their support.

He scored his maiden Test century in the second match of that series, a superb 108 not out at Headingley, which came so close to saving the game for England against the odds.

Moeen’s highest Test score also came against Sri Lanka when he hit 155 not out at Chester-Le Street, Durham, in May 2016.

Hie showed his versatility and batted in every position between one and nine.

Moeen’s best performance with the ball came against South Africa at Lord’s in June 2017 when he returned 6-53.

He was a Test regular until 2019 before taking a break from the long format of the game at international level.

Moeen returned last winter with eight wickets against India in Chennai.

He was made vice-captain for the fourth Test against India at The Oval earlier this month in what proved to be his final appearance.