Moeen Ali confirms he will retire from Test cricket for a second time after England drew the Ashes series
- Moeen Ali retired from Test cricket after the end of the Ashes series
- The 36-year-old came out of retirement as an injury replacement for the Ashes
- But explained that he would not answer another test request from Ben Stokes
Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from Test cricket following England’s fifth Test Ashes victory at the Kia Oval on Monday.
The 36-year-old played for the hosts on the final day as he claimed vital wickets from Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Australian captain Pat Cummins.
He was denied Steve Smith’s wicket after England skipper Ben Stokes ruined his party after catching the Australian, but finished on a high.
Ali was called into the England set-up at the last minute as an injury replacement for Jack Leach and played a major role as Brendon McCullum’s sole spin bowl specialist.
He replied to a message from Stokes before the series kicked off saying “Ashes?” about a possible Test recall with ‘LOL’ and joked after leaving the field at the Oval that he wouldn’t answer another call.
Moeen Ali (left) left the field with fellow pensioner Stuart Broad (right) after the final Ashes Test
Ali (right) joked he wouldn’t answer another test call from England, Ben Stokes (not pictured)
After the end of the Ashes, Ali told Sky Sports: ‘I know I’m done.’
“If Stokesy (Ben Stokes) texts me again, I’ll delete it. I’m done with that.
“I think I really enjoyed it and it’s great to finish like this,” he added.
Ali was influential with both bat and ball throughout the series and was willing to take responsibility as a senior figure within the team by pushing himself up to number three in the batting order.
That move proved to be hugely important as England came back from 2-0 up to draw the series 2-2, although Ali had to fight his way through numerous injury hurdles.
A lack of time bowling the harder red Dukes ball meant Ali needed time to build up calluses on his main spider finger and a nasty blister forced him to miss the second Test at Lord’s.
He recovered after being given a remedy gel made of honey by an anonymous NHS worker who recommended the product and played for the rest of the series.
Another injury would follow when Ali damaged him in the groin while batting in England’s first innings at the Oval before being treated again and fit to finish the final Test.
An emotional ending in Surrey also saw him team up with fellow pensioner Stuart Broad as the pair left the field with arms around each other at the end of the game.
Ali has now officially announced he is retiring from Test cricket duties with England for a second time, having previously left the red ball scene two years ago when he said the ‘intensity’ of the format was hard on the body.
On a final Ashes outing, the Birmingham-born star completes a sensational Test career with England after making 68 appearances and scoring 3094 points.