Moeen Ali has officially ruled out a return to Test cricket, despite considering a comeback after being impressed by England 's new style of play under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
Moeen retired from Test cricket last September, revealing he had "found it a struggle to get in the zone bowling and batting and in the field", but was contacted by new Test coach McCullum about a return following the New Zealander's appointment in May.
The all-rounder said in June that "the door is open" to a potential return, with England set to need more spin options for the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan in December.
However, Moeen has now decided to remain retired from Test cricket, revealing he had a long conversation with McCullum explaining his reasons. "That's a trip I won't be making sadly," Moeen said in his column for the Daily Mail about the Pakistan tour.
"It's not something I'm keen on doing any more. I've had an honest chat with Baz [McCullum] and I can't see myself being stuck in hotels for another month and playing to the best of my ability.
"Baz phoned me, we spoke at length and I said, 'Sorry, I'm done'. He understands, he knows the feeling.
Image:
Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)"Watching the boys, I got the feeling this is how I've always wanted to play the game but the more I thought about it and discussed it with those close to me, I knew deep down why I was done.
"Test cricket is hard work. I'm 35 and something's got to give. I want to enjoy my cricket and it wouldn't be fair to reverse my decision and then struggle to give it my all.
"It's time to close the door on that side of my career. To play 64 Tests for England has been a privilege and a dream fulfilled."
