“If I get a message from Stokesy again, I’m going to delete it,”Moeen Ali again retires from Test Cricket.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has officially announced the end of his Test career. The announcement came after an exceptional performance in the Oval Test match against Australia, where he made a significant impact by taking three crucial wickets in the final innings to win the 5th Ashes Test and drawing the series. Moeen stated that this match would mark his last appearance in the longest format of cricket. In a light-hearted manner, he even joked that if he receives another message from Ben Stokes urging him to make a comeback to the England side, he will promptly delete it.

Moeen Ali in post match interview said “If I get a message from Stokesy again, I’m going to delete it.” It feels amazing. To come back was obviously a little bit daunting because I’ve never played that well against Australia and it was one of those things when Stokesy asked me I thought: “Why not, I’m going to go into a brillant side and I still believe I can do alright,” and it’s just great to be back part of this amazing team.”

Moeen had previously retired from Test cricket in 2021. However, a twist of fate occurred when left-arm spinner Jack Leach suffered an unfortunate injury, which prompted Moeen to reconsider his decision. Discussions with England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum played a pivotal role in convincing him to return to Test cricket.

He added “I’m so glad I came back and said yes. Just from the first day I came back into the changing room with Baz and Stokesy and to play again with Broad and Jimmy and Woody, it’s been amazing and I’m chuffed that I can finish with a win against Australia with a bit of a helping hand.”

Australia have retained the Ashes, but England managed to draw the series and not getting a defeat by Australia in the Ashes 2023.