“I have done my part” – Moeen Ali announces retirement from international cricket
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Ali Moen has announced his retirement from international cricket and the 37-year-old said: “I have done my part.”
In an interview with the Daily MailThe spin-bowling all-rounder said the decision was made after he was booked for England’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia.
He told the newspaper: “I am 37 years old and I was not selected for the Australia series this month.
“I played a lot of cricket for England“It’s time for the next generation, that’s what I was told too.”
Even if I retire, I don’t feel like I’m not good enough – I still believe I can play. But I understand how things are and the team needs to evolve into a new cycle
Ali Moen
“It felt like the time was right. I did my part.”
Matthew Mott was sacked as head coach of the limited-overs side last month after disappointing title defences in the ODI and T20 World Cup, and the desire for change continued with the sacking of Moeen and Jonny Bairstow – two senior players with over 400 international caps between them.
Moeen has been an influential vice-captain under Jos Buttler in recent times, but has admitted in the past that his international career was coming to an end.
After 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20s for England, Moeen said he still feels he can compete at the highest level but he is trying to “be realistic” about his international future.
“I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know that in reality I won’t do that,” he told the Mail.
“Even if I retire, I don’t feel like it’s because I’m not good enough – I still believe I can play. But I understand how things are and the team has to evolve into a new cycle. It’s about staying true to myself.”
Looking back on his international career, Moeen said he was “particularly” proud of taking 204 Test wickets, adding: “I am also proud of taking five Test hundreds.”
“It’s only five, but it means a lot to me, especially because I often finished further back.”
Looking ahead, Moeen said he wants to continue playing franchise cricket but ultimately wants to get into coaching.
“I want to be a coach – I want to be one of the best,” he said.
“I can learn a lot from (England coach Brendon McCullum).
“I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I hit some good shots and some bad shots, but hopefully people enjoyed watching me.”