England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who reversed his decision to retire from Test cricket for the ongoing Ashes 2023, has said that he is not that interested in traveling to India next year for a blockbuster five-Test series.
Ali, a veteran of 66 Tests, un-retired from Test cricket after Jack Leach suffered a stress fracture to his back ahead of the Ashes 2023 and was welcomed back into the fold by new captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, as they prepped for the five-Test Ashes 2023 series against Australia at home.
The all-rounder played the first Test, was out of the second due to an injured finger, and then returned in the third to play a key role in England’s victory at Headingley, taking important wickets in the second innings.
Not only with the ball, but Moeen Ali also got to play a big part with the bat as well. Thanks to Ollie Pope’s shoulder injury at Lord’s, Moeen also found himself with a greater batting role.
He was moved up to number three in the second innings, and while it didn’t work out well for him (he was out for five), the left-hander still gives England more alternatives, especially with Chris Woakes and Mark Wood back in the starting lineup.
As the hosts attempt to recover from being 1-2 down in the Ashes Test series, Moeen appears destined to be England’s spinner for the final two games.
“It’s Not Easy, I Find Test Cricket Really Hard”- Moeen Ali Not Committed For The India Test Tour In 2024
However, there are now concerns regarding whether Moeen would continue to play for England during the vital trip to India that will take place the following year.
In 2021, Moeen declared his retirement from Test cricket, but Stokes persuaded him to come back. He may or may not still be considered for the spinner position in India, where Jack Leach is expected to be selected. In addition, England may choose to reintroduce exciting young prospect Rehan Ahmed after his debut against Pakistan.
Ahead of the Old Trafford Test, the 66-Test veteran was asked whether he has thought about the India tour. The all-rounder was non-committal in his answer.
“Not really, to be honest with you. I think for me, it’s about getting through these two games if I play these two games. It’s not easy, I find Test cricket really hard. It is the hardest and best format out there, for sure.
But I’ve really enjoyed my time since I’ve come back, and it’s been a brilliant environment. I wish it was this 5 years ago,” Ali was quoted by Reuters.
Moeen concluded by pointing out that discussions would take place with the new unit of leadership after the series, but he didn’t want the future of his Test career to be a distraction from doing his best in the ongoing series.
“I’m not thinking too far ahead, I’m sure Baz and Stokesy will probably speak to me after the series or after the summer, but for me at the moment it’s just this series. I’m not saying yes, I’m not saying no,” he added.