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England all-rounder Moeen Ali retires from Test cricket

Moeen Ali: "I'm happy and content with how I've done."
Moeen Ali: "I'm happy and content with how I've done."

Moeen Ali has called time on his Test career.

Moeen revealed that he found it hard to concentrate after being recalled to the England side for the recent series against India.

He took 195 Test wickets including five five-wicket hauls and scored five Test-match centuries during his career.

He said: "I'm 34 now and I want to play for as long as I can and I just want to enjoy my cricket.

"Test cricket is amazing, when you're having a good day it's better than any other format by far, it's more rewarding and you feel like you've really earned it.

"I will miss just walking out there with the lads, playing against best in the world with that feeling of nerves but also from a bowling point of view, knowing with my best ball I could get anyone out.

"I've enjoyed Test cricket but that intensity can be too much sometimes and I feel like I've done enough of it and I'm happy and content with how I've done."

"I'm 34 now and I want to play for as long as I can and I just want to enjoy my cricket."

Moeen lost his central contract in 2019, which led him to focus on franchise cricket.

He thanked his coaches, captains and family for the support given throughout his career.

Moeen said: "I have to thank Peter Moores and Chris Silverwood for being my coaches and Peter for giving me my debut. Cookie and Rooty as the captains who I've enjoyed playing under and I hope they are happy with how I played.

"My parents are my number one, I feel without their support there is no way I would have made it, every game I played was for them and I know they are really proud of me.

"My brothers and my sister, on my bad days they've been the first to pick me up and my wife and kids, my wife's sacrifices and the patience she has, I am really grateful for that.

"They have all been amazing on my journey, everything I did I did for them."

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