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MOEEN Ali's decision to call time on his Test career, after being recalled to the England team, was he did not "fancy carrying drinks" as his place in the first eleven was not guaranteed.
The all-rounder's decision certainly surprised many including his father Munir Ali especially after having had a good series against India.
Moeen said he could not concentrate during the three Tests he played against India and therefore decided not to continue with red-ball cricket and instead concentrate more on being a white-ball specialist.
The off-spinner represented England in 64 Tests, scored 2,914 runs while claiming 195 wickets.
Moeen has no regrets about his career but felt he was done during the series against India as although he enjoyed the atmosphere, he found it a struggle to bowl and bat.
“I was thinking about the Ashes (this winter) and how I would love to have gone back and done well there.
“But it’s such a long trip if I’m not ‘in it’ and I think it’d be very, very difficult. And if I felt like I did against India when I was out there, then I would probably retire after one match. So it’s done,” said Moeen.
Moeen's father said the "'main reason" for his son's retirement was the uncertainty of making it to the first XI in the Ashes.
“But the main reason for retiring is that Australian tour and being in a bubble, after being in a bubble all last year. At his age, I don’t think he fancied carrying the drinks," he added.
The father regrets that the final Test against India was cancelled as it denied his son the opportunity of being in the company of players who achieved 3000 runs and 200 Test wickets.
Moeen was 86 runs and five wickets short of joining that illustrious club.
The father was quite emphatic in saying "There won’t be another Moeen Ali in 10-15 years."
Munir said his son should be an inspiration to the Asian community as he has shown with talent and hard work one can achieve success.
“When he first started, I thought he was going to play a few games here and a few games there,” says Munir. “I honestly didn’t think he would end up playing international cricket for eight years."
The father always had believe in his son's talent and his will to succeed. He alluded that if Moeen had played further up the batting order he would have achieved much more. - Agencies, October 2, 2021
