“Brendon McCullum messaged me asking if I was in” – Moeen Ali hints at a potential comeback in Test cricket
England all-rounder Moeen Ali could come out of his Test retirement to play the red-ball cricket for his nation again. The Three Lions are desperate for the revival of test cricket in the country and it will be the beginning of a new era in the English Test cricket as the new head coach Brendon McCullum and the new skipper Ben Stokes will lead the team in the test series against New Zealand.
In his Test career of seven years, Moeen Ali represented England in 64 matches. However, the all-rounder announced his retirement from the longest form of the game to focus on white-ball cricket.
One can expect exciting times ahead for the England Test cricket as Brendon McCullum is likely to instil an aggressive approach in the team. Now, following the Kiwi’s arrival, Moeen Ali has also hinted at a potential comeback in the Test arena.
“The door is open,” says Moeen Ali
In an interview with ‘The Guardian,’ after being honoured with an OBE for services to cricket, Ali said, “Baz [McCullum] messaged me asking if I was ‘in’. I have played with him in the Indian Premier League and really enjoyed the way he works. We spoke and he mentioned potentially, in the future, if there is a tour – or whenever, really – would I be available? I said ‘call me at the time’. We’ll see.”
England Test cricket has entered its new chapter as Brendon McCullum has taken over the head coach and Ben Stokes has been appointed as the new skipper. Chris Silverwood was sacked as head coach following the Ashes humiliation and Joe Root resigned as the captain.
Moeen Ali added that the new era is exciting and maybe in future he could be a part of it.
“Playing for England is amazing, especially at home. And even though it’s sad Chris Silverwood went as head coach and Root stepped down as captain, it’s always exciting when there is a new chapter. Brendon is a straight, honest guy, we’ve had a chat and maybe in the future, potential tours or whatever, who knows?” added the all-rounder.
Apart from his batting skills, Moeen Ali used to bowl quality off-spin from the one end. Since his retirement, England are struggling to find a consistent spinner. Talking about the current spinners Dom Bess and Jack Leach, the all-rounder refused to undermine their work.
“The door is open. But I don’t want to disrespect Jack Leach [the incumbent spinner in the Test team]. It’s a difficult job – especially in England – and I know that. I back him, I’m right behind him. I don’t want to put any pressure there, he’s a fantastic bowler,” Moeen Ali added further.
