Moeen Ali 'Officially Unretired' From Test Cricket

Brendon McCullum has convinced Moeen Ali to 'unretire' from test cricket.

Cricket Image for Moeen Ali 'Officially Unretired' From Test Cricket (Image Source: Google)

In what will be a big development in the English test side ever since the arrival of Brendon McCullum as the head coach, Moeen Ali has 'officially unretired' and made himself available for England's tour of Pakistan later this year for a three test matches and seven T20Is. 

Moeen retired from test cricket in September 2021 after the India series. "I felt like I was done, to be honest. I was hoping to play the last Test - there were a couple of milestones I wanted to pass - but once that game got called off, I realised that was it," the all-rounder had said at that time as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

However, the 34-year-old recently revealed that "When, or if, Baz McCullum wants me, I'll definitely play in Pakistan," to BBC Test Match Special. Moeen did have a chat with the England test coach on the same weekend which convinced him to 'unretire' from the longer format. 

"I spoke to McCullum this morning, and we did discuss Pakistan this winter. The door is always open, and yeah, I suppose I am officially unretired," Moeen, who has played 64 tests, said.

"He is a very difficult person to say no to. I find that very, very hard. He is very convincing and to be honest I would love to play under him and Ben Stokes. They are both very aggressive and I think I would suit their cricket a bit more. At the time I said I was retired I felt like I was done. I felt really tired with cricket."

Moeen is excited to tour Pakistan with the English team and having a family background in the country is what amazes the star all-rounder the most. 

"I have played Pakistan Super League out there a few years ago but it's not the same. To travel with an England side there having family background from that part of the world will be amazing. It would be a historic event because of England not touring there for so many years.

"I know the support and love you can get out there, they love cricket. It's really something that's very appealing for sure," Moeen said.