Reports - Moeen Ali set to retire from Test cricket

If reports are to be believed, England all-rounder Moeen Ali is all set to draw curtains on his Test career. The southpaw reportedly has informed coach Chris Silverwood and skipper Joe Root about his decision. The COVID-19 pandemic and stringent bio-bubble life has taken a toll on the mental health of players. Recently, England all-rounder Ben Stokes also took an indefinite break from all forms of cricket to focus on his mental health. Moeen's decision comes amidst speculations of several England players skipping the Ashes later this year due to stern COVID-19 protocols in Australia.

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Moeen is currently plying his trade for the Chennai Super Kings in the second leg of IPL in UAE. The all-rounder has also been named in the England squad for the World Cup. Reports further say that Moeen wants to prolong his limited-overs career which is why he decided to hang his boosts in the longest format of the game.

Given the pandemic situation in the cricket playing countries, it’s unlikely that the restrictions will be eased out anytime soon. Despite being in the bubble, players are testing positive which may lead to even more stringent regulations in the upcoming series.

Moeen was an integral part of the England Test squad and added a lot of depth to the team. The southpaw has played 64 Tests, scoring 2914 runs and accounting for 195 wickets. Moeen was a regular in the England setup till 2019 and played as a second spinner or the fifth bowling option. However, a dip in form saw him lose his spot in the England team.

He was recently recalled in the England squad for the India series in the absence of all-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes and even was named the vice-captain of the side when Jos Buttler pulled out of the series due to the birth of his second child. Ali was nearing a remarkable feat and needed just 84 runs and five wickets to become the 15th player to claim a double of 3000 runs and 200 wickets.