Moeen Ali: Moeen Ali has said the Oval Test versus Australia will be his last. The southpaw also stated that if Ben Stokes again messages him, he will delete it. Moeen picked up three wickets in the Oval Test to help England draw the Ashes 2023 series. The all-rounder’s last flourish enabled a fairytale finish for Stuart Broad, who earlier announced retirement.
For the uninitiated, England skipper Stokes had messaged Moeen saying ‘Ashes’? after Jack Leech was ruled out of the series due to injury. Moeen, who had announced retirement from Test cricket in 2021, reversed his decision and played a pivotal hand in England winning two Test matches in Ashes. However, the all-rounder has no intentions to continue playing Test cricket.
“If Stokesy messages me again, I’m going to delete it. That’s me done. I really have enjoyed it, and it’s great to finish on it.”
“It feels amazing,” Moeen added, speaking to the BBC’s Test Match Special. “To come back was a little bit daunting actually because I’ve never played that well against Australia. It was one of those things where, when Stokesy asked me, I thought, ‘why not? I’m going to go into a brilliant side and I still believe I can do alright’.”
Moeen Ali: Moeen, Chris Woakes produce outstanding performances as Australia fail to win Ashes in England
While Moeen picked up three late wickets, Chris Woakes chipped in with four wickets as Pat Cummins & Co failed to chase 384. Australia started day five, needing 249 runs to win and ten wickets in hand, however, Woakes’ double strike derailed Australia’s run chase, and Moeen’s wicket of Travis Head turned the game in Australia’s favor.
Speaking about the Ashes, Moeen had made an impact with bat and ball. The southpaw batted at crucial number three position after Ollie Pope was injured and scored 180 runs in four Test matches.
With the ball in hand, Moeen picked up nine wickets and provided Stokes breakthroughs at critical times of the game. The all-rounder said he was happy to contribute and help England draw the Ashes.
“I’m so glad I came back and said yes,” Moeen added. “Just from the first day, I came into the changing room [under] Baz and Stokesy, to play again and be part of this team with Jimmy and Broady, these guys, when I started they were there.
“It’s been amazing. I’m chuffed that I can finish with a win against Australia and played a little bit of a helping hand. I’ve had a good run, and I’ve really enjoyed playing Test cricket for England and representing everybody in this country.”
Overall Moeen has played 68 Test matches, scoring 3094 runs and picking 204 wickets. The all-rounder will continue to play white-ball formats for England.
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