English cricketer Moeen Ali has turned down Brendon McCullum’s request to join the India tour set for early next year in January. Laughingly, Moeen stated that there was no chance of him traveling to India and that he had made up his mind about skipping the tour.
Known for his consistent performances in Test cricket, Moeen Ali has had his fair share of highs and lows in his cricketing career. His standout moments in Test cricket include impressive series against India in 2014 and South Africa in 2017, where he picked up 19 and 25 wickets, respectively, and played pivotal roles in England’s 3-1 victories on both occasions. His all-round abilities have been valuable assets for the English side over the years.
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Despite his initial reluctance to tour India, Moeen Ali ultimately decided to return for the Ashes, as he did not want to have any regrets about not being there for the team when they needed him. Test cricket holds a special place in his heart, and he expressed his appreciation for the longest format of the game.
Moeen acknowledged that facing Australia in the Ashes series was a daunting prospect, given his past performances against them. However, he approached the challenge with a positive mindset, knowing that he had nothing to lose, and the opportunity to represent his country in such a significant series was a “free hit.”
Reflecting on his decision to return, Moeen stated, “I’ve loved it. I would have regretted it later in life.” He also mentioned that he felt confident in his bowling, although he had some concerns about his injured finger.
England’s position in the World Test Championship standings has taken a hit after they were penalized 19 points for a slow over-rate. As a result, their upcoming tour of India becomes even more crucial as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.
Moeen Ali’s contributions and experience will undoubtedly be missed on the India tour. However, the English team is set to face the challenge head-on, and fans hope to witness exhilarating cricket as they compete against the formidable Indian side.
England team is set to tour India in 2024 where both teams are scheduled to play five Test matches according to BCCI home schedule announced last week.