NOTTINGHAM: Pakistani-born England’s all-rounder Moeen Ali has announced the reversal of his retirement from Test cricket after showing his willingness to become part of England’s Test team on their tour of Pakistan scheduled later this year.
The Pakistani-born confirmed that he had officially taken back his retirement following the conversation with England’s new head coach Brendon McCullum on Sunday.
“I spoke to McCullum this morning, and we did discuss Pakistan this winter. The door is always open, and yeah, I suppose I am officially unretired,” said Moeen as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.
Earlier, Moeen expressed his desire to play the Test series in the upcoming England tour of Pakistan while claiming that the family heritage in Pakistan makes the tour more exciting for him.
“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,” told Moeen to BBC Test Match Special on Saturday.
“When, or if, Baz McCullum wants me, I’ll definitely play in Pakistan,” he added.
Moeen recalled his experience of playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the affection he received from the people of his native country.
“I know the support and love you can get out there, they love cricket. It’s really something that’s very appealing for sure,” he concluded.
The England all-rounder announced his retirement from the red-ball cricket last year in September after featuring in 64 Test matches for England. He took 195 wickets and made 2914 runs including five centuries and 14 half-centuries during his Test career.
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