Moeen Ali: England all-rounder retires from Test cricket

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Moeen Ali was the third spinner to take three Test wickets for England.

Moeen Ali, England's all-rounder, has announced his retirement from Test cricket but will still play in limited-overs internationals.

Moeen, now 34, has scored 2,914 runs, and taken 195 wickets in 64 tests, after making his debut against Sri Lankan in 2014.

He won the 50-over World Cup in 2019, and is currently in England's preliminary squad to play in this year's T20 World Cup.

Moeen stated, "I want to keep playing for as long as possible and I just want my cricket to be enjoyable."

"I enjoyed Test cricket, but the intensity can sometimes be too intense. I feel like I have done enough and am happy with what I've accomplished."

Moeen said that Test cricket was better than any other form of cricket and more rewarding when he is playing well.

The left-handed batsman and off-spinner scored five centuries. He also took five five-wicket Test victories. His batting average was 28.29, and his bowling average was 36.66.

Only 15 bowlers have more Test wickets for England than Moeen, and he is ranked third behind Derek Underwood (297), and Graeme Swann (2255).

Moeen was the fifth fastest player in 2017 with 2,000 runs and 100 wickets. He also took a hat trick against South Africa that year, sealing a series victory at The Oval.

After being dropped in the 2019 Ashes at his home, he was part of the winning 2015 Ashes team but had a difficult time during the 2017-18 series.

Moeen was not called back to the Test team in January, but he missed the two Tests due to coronavirus. He spent 14 days in isolation.

In February, he made his first Test return to India, taking eight wickets. He then returned home in England's rotation strategy, just before the final two Tests.

Before the fifth Test against India was cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns, he played in three of England's home matches.

If the fifth Test had been played, Moeen would have become the 15th player to score 3,000 runs or take 200 wickets in Test history.

England will face Australia in the five Test Ashes series, which begins on 8 December.

Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister, has stated that there will not be any special arrangements for England cricketers' families to allow them to travel. Some players have even considered pulling out due to strict Covid-19 protocols.

Moeen has two children with his wife and has played in 38 T20s and 112 one-day internationals. He also thanked his family and friends for their support.

He said, "They all have been amazing on my path, everything I did was for them."

"My sisters and brothers, when I've had bad days, they've always been there to help me. My wife and children, as well as my husband's sacrifices, and her patience, are all things that I'm grateful for.

"My parents are my number 1 support, without them I wouldn't have been able to make it.

Moeen also thanked Peter Moores, the current head coach Chris Silverwood and former captain Sir Alastair cook, as well as Joe Root, who was his skipper.

He said that he hopes his Test career will encourage other British Muslims to play for England.

He said, "I would love to hear someone say, "Moeen made life easier for me" in ten years.

"There were guys who have made it easier than me, so I hope you can open the door for another person."

He is currently in Dubai, playing for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League (IPL).

He was the captain of Birmingham Phoenix in this summer's inaugural men's Hundred and will likely continue white-ball cricket domestically with Worcestershire.