England’s Moeen Ali becomes the new Shahid Afridi, makes a U-turn on Test retirement

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the change in the squad for the first two Ashes Tests on Wednesday.

England’s Moeen Ali becomes the new Shahid Afridi, makes a U-turn on Test retirement

Moeen Ali (Image via Sky Sport)

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has made a U-turn on his Test retirement two years after announcing it. Ali, who had announced his retirement from Test cricket in September 2021 has been included in England’s squad for the first two Tests of Ashes 2023-24. Ali has replaced Jack Leach who was ruled out of the much-anticipated series with an injury. 

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the change in the squad for the first two Ashes Tests on Wednesday. “Warwickshire spin-bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali has been added to the England Men’s Test squad for the first two LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes Test matches against Australia starting at Edgbaston on Friday 16 June 2023,” said ECB in a statement. 

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ECB further informed that Mooen Ali decided to reverse his stance on Test retirement following a discussion with captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and England Men’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket Rob Key. 

“We reached out to Mo (Moeen Ali) early this week about returning to Test cricket. Having had a couple of days to reflect, Mo is excited to join the squad and play Test cricket again. His vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign. We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well for the Ashes campaign,” ECB quoted Rob Key saying. 

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Moeen Ali wanted to play under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum

moeen ali brendon mccullum
Moeen Ali with Brendon McCullum (Image via The Mirror)

Notably, ever since the new regime, captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took over the proceedings of the England Test cricket team, England saw a change in their approach where they batted aggressively irrespective of the situation. People termed it ‘Bazball’ and it was an instant hit. Moeen Ali was also intrigued to be a part of a team with such a lively atmosphere. 

Last year, Ali had indicated he might come out of his Test retirement if asked. “They’re very aggressive. Both of them have that character about them. I think I would suit their cricket and I think they feel I would suit them as well,” Ali had said to BBC.

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