SaqMoeen Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket, with the 37-year-old saying: “I have done my bit.”
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the spin bowling all-rounder said the decision was taken after he was overlooked for England’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia.
He told the newspaper: “I’m 37 and I haven’t been selected for the Australian series this month.
“I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time to move on to the next generation, which has also been explained to me.
“I felt the time had come. I did my part.”
Matthew Mott was sacked as head coach of the limited-overs team last month after disappointing title defences in the ODI and T20 World Cups and the appetite for change continued with the withdrawal of Moeen and Jonny Bairstow – two senior men sharing more than 400 caps.
Moeen has been an influential vice-captain to Jos Buttler in recent times but has acknowledged in the past that his international career is coming to an end.
After 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20s for England, Moeen said he still felt he could compete at the highest level but was “trying to be realistic” about his international future.
“I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know realistically I won’t,” he told the Mail.
“Even if I retire, I don’t think it’s because I’m not good enough. I feel like I can still play. But I understand how things are going and the team has to move on to another cycle. It’s about being honest with myself.”
Reflecting on his international career, Moeen said he was “particularly” proud of taking 204 Test wickets, adding: “I’m also proud of getting five Test hundreds.
“It’s only five, but it means a lot, especially considering I was often at the bottom of the list.”
Looking ahead, Moeen said he wants to continue playing franchise cricket but eventually hopes to get into coaching.
“I want to be a coach. I want to be one of the best,” he said.
“I can learn a lot from (England coach Brendon McCullum).
“I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some good shots and some not so good shots, but I hope people enjoyed watching me play.”
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