London
England all-rounder Moeen Ali on Monday announced he was retiring from Test cricket to focus on his white-ball career, saying the format’s ‘intensity can be too much sometimes’.
The 34-year-old scored five centuries and took 195 wickets in 64 Tests, including a top score of 155 not out and five five-wicket hauls.
But Moeen felt he needed to abandon cricket’s longest format to prolong his career and rekindle his love for the game.
“I want to play for as long as I can and just want to enjoy my cricket,” he said. “Test cricket is amazing. When you’re having a good day it’s better than any other format by far. “I will miss playing against the best in the world with that feeling of nerves but also knowing with my best ball I could get anyone out.
“It always takes somebody to inspire you … I know he wasn’t English but someone like [former South Africa batter] Hashim Amla, when I first saw him, I thought if he can do it I can do it, it does take that little spark. “I’ve enjoyed Test cricket but that intensity can be too much sometimes
. I feel like I’ve done enough of it and I’m happy with how I’ve done.” Moeen began his Test career batting at number six and offering part-time off-spin, scoring a maiden Test century against Sri Lanka at Headingley in 2014.—Agencies
