Moeen called off his Test career in September after claiming 195 wickets in 64 Tests as well as claiming five centuries. He told ESPNcricinfo at the time that he was no longer able to “get in the zone” in the longest format of the game.
However, McCullum’s arrival signals a new and more aggressive mindset in England’s Test cricket, and Moeen – who is due to leave for the Netherlands this evening ahead of next week’s three-match ODI series – says He can make a comeback in the longer format game.
“When, or if, Baz McCullum wants me, I will definitely play in Pakistan,” Moeen Ali told BBC Test Match Special on Saturday. Moeen told the BBC Test Match Special on Saturday that his family legacy once led to Pakistan’s white-ball trip – England’s first since 2005, when his cousin, Kabir Ali, was part of the white-ball team.
“I played the Pakistan Super League there a few years back, but it’s not the same,” Moin said. He said, “It would be wonderful to travel with the England team from that part of the world with family background. It will be a historic event as England has not toured there for so many years.
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“I know the support and love you can get is love cricket. It’s really something that’s definitely very appealing.”
Moeen Ali said during his comments on Saturday that it is “very difficult” for McCullum to say no, and “we’re going to have a chat and see how it goes”. Speaking on the subject during the third day of Sunday at Trent Bridge, Moeen confirmed that talks have now taken place.
“I spoke to McCullum this morning, and we discussed the tour of Pakistan this winter. The door is always open, and yes, I think I am officially retired,” he said.
“Saying no to him is a very tough task, it will be very difficult for me. He is very confident and to be honest I would love to play under him and Ben Stokes. They are both very aggressive and I think I can play under him. I will be able to adopt the style well.
“The moment I said I was retired, I felt like I was done. I was feeling really tired of cricket.”