Moeen Ali, the England all-rounder, made a comeback to Test cricket after his retirement, responding to a request from Ben Stokes following Jack Leach’s injury ruling him out of the Ashes 2023 series. However, it seems that Moeen’s return may not be extended.
In the two Tests that Moeen has played since retiring, he has failed to make a significant impact. He scored 18 and 19 runs in the first Test at Edgbaston and picked up three wickets. However, he was benched for the second Test at Lord’s. Moeen returned to the playing eleven for the third Test, batting at number three in the absence of Ollie Pope, but only managed scores of 21 and 5. With the ball, he remained wicketless in the first innings and took two wickets in the second.
Although Moeen Ali is focused on helping England regain the Ashes, he does not seem keen on extending his Test career beyond the ongoing series. When asked about his excitement for England’s tour of India next year, where they are scheduled to play five Tests, Moeen expressed his current focus on the remaining two Ashes Tests. He described Test cricket as the hardest and best format but admitted to finding it challenging.
“Not really, to be honest with you. I think for me, it’s about getting through these two games if I play these two games. It’s not easy, I find Test cricket really hard. It is the hardest and best format out there, for sure.” said Moeen.
Moeen stated that he is not thinking too far ahead and that discussions about his future may happen after the series or the summer. He neither confirmed nor ruled out the possibility of continuing his Test career, indicating that a decision will be made in due course.
“I’m not thinking too far ahead, I’m sure Baz and Stokesy will probably speak to me after the series or after the summer, but for me at the moment it’s just this series. I’m not saying yes, I’m not saying no,” he added.
As the Ashes series progresses, Moeen Ali’s primary focus remains on the ongoing matches. The all-rounder’s contributions will be crucial for England as they aim to reclaim the Ashes urn. The final decision regarding his Test career beyond this series will likely be discussed with the team management and selectors in the future.
