Picture : ECB / Twitter
Confirming that the fifth Ashes Test against Australia was the last traditional format match of his career, England all-rounder Moeen Ali said he will not travel to India next year for a Test series.
India will host England for a five-match Test series across January and March 2024.
“There is no way I am going (to India). It is nice to finish like this. Test cricket is the best cricket. I wish I could rewind time,” Moeen was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
Ali, who has played 68 Tests for England, has taken 204 wickets in Test cricket.
But despite a commendable record, the off spinner accepted the fact that his Test career would have hit a higher note.
“Although my Test career has been a bit up and down, I wouldn’t change it. I’ve loved it. I would have regretted (not accepting England’s recall) later in life.
“It was quite daunting because I’ve never done well against Australia. I had nothing to lose — it was a free hit,” he said.
England gave a fitting send off to Moeen as he led the side out of the Oval with Stuart Broad, who had also announced his retirement after the fifth Ashes Test. Moeen said it was indeed nice of Broad to allow him to walk beside.
