Moeen Ali rules out Test comeback after 'honest chat' with Brendon McCullum

Moeen Ali (Source: Twitter)

Star England allrounder Moeen Ali ruled out the possibility of returning to Test cricket after having an “honest” chat with head coach Brendon McCullum. Ali made his Test debut in 2014 and last played for England in the format in September 2021 after appearing in 64 matches.

Ali was one of the integral members of the Three Lions in the Test circuit during his time, scoring 2,914 runs with five hundreds and 14 fifties. He also picked up 195 wickets at an average of 36.66 with five five-wicket hauls and best match figures of 10 for 112. He announced his retirement from Test cricket last year. However, with the recent appointment of a new head coach, there were talks about Ali considering a possible comeback.

I said, 'Sorry, I'm done': Moeen Ali

"I've had an honest chat with Baz (McCullum) and I can't see myself being stuck in hotels for another month and playing to the best of my ability," Moeen wrote in his column for the Daily Mail on October 3, Monday. He reckons his time is over in Test cricket as he is 35 and the format demands hard work.

"Baz (McCullum) phoned me, we spoke at length and I said, 'Sorry, I'm done'. He understands, he knows the feeling. Test cricket is hard work. I'm 35 and something's got to give," expressed Ali. "I want to enjoy my cricket and it wouldn't be fair to reverse my decision and then struggle to give it my all. It's time to close the door on that side of my career. To play 64 tests for England has been a privilege and a dream fulfilled," Ali further added. He is one of the regular members of the team in the white ball circuit.

Ali also recently captained the national side in the T20Is for the away T20I series in Pakistan for seven matches and guided them to a famous 4-3 win on Sunday in Lahore. He has appeared in 121 ODIs and 62 T20Is, scoring close to 3,000 runs and bagging 134 wickets.