Moeen Ali open to England Test comeback for Pakistan tour

Published June 11, 2022
A photo of England all-rounder Moeen Ali. — England Cricket Twitter
A photo of England all-rounder Moeen Ali. — England Cricket Twitter

Moeen Ali has revealed he would be willing to end his retirement from Test cricket if England ask him to tour Pakistan later this year.

Ali ended his 64-cap Test career last September after admitting he found it hard to stay motivated for the five-day form of the sport.

But the 34-year-old all-rounder has been impressed by new England coach Brendon McCullum's impact during the current Test series against New Zealand.

During a commentary stint on BBC's Test Match Special on Saturday, Moeen confirmed he would be ready to tour Pakistan this winter.

“When, or if, (England head coach) Baz McCullum wants me, I'll definitely play in Pakistan,” he said.

“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.”

Kiwi McCullum and new England Test captain Ben Stokes inspired a five-wicket win over New Zealand at Lord's in the first Test.

England have found it harder in the ongoing second Test, but Moeen is intrigued at the thought of being part of the new regime.

“I find it very hard to say no to him. He scares me a little bit. We're going to have a chat and see how it pans out,” he said.

“At the time I said I was retired I felt like I was done. I felt really tired with cricket. “

Opinion

Editorial

Threat perception
Updated 07 Dec, 2024

Threat perception

Despite clear proof of the threat posed by malign armed actors, the military and civilian leadership prefers to focus on political opponents.
Humanity at risk
07 Dec, 2024

Humanity at risk

HUMAN trafficking continues to remain an area where the state has utterly failed its citizens. While global...
Banks and larger goals
07 Dec, 2024

Banks and larger goals

THAT banks in Pakistan “prioritise profit over purpose” and promote financial products with limited knowledge of...
Gaza genocide
Updated 06 Dec, 2024

Gaza genocide

Unless Western states cease their unflinching support to Israel, the genocide is unlikely to end.
Agri tax changes
06 Dec, 2024

Agri tax changes

IT is quite surprising if not disconcerting to see the PPP government in Sindh dragging its feet on the changes to...
AJK unrest
06 Dec, 2024

AJK unrest

THERE is trouble brewing in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where a coalition comprising various civil society organisations...