Ashes: Moeen Ali reveals one-word message from Ben Stokes that grew to become catalyst for his Test comeback

By India Today Sports Desk: England all-rounder Moeen Ali credited Test captain Ben Stokes for persuading him to come back out of retirement for the forthcoming Ashes collection, starting June 16.

Moeen revealed that Stokes reached out to him with a easy but impactful message, a query mark adopted by the phrase ‘Ashes?’. This sudden communication took Moeen unexpectedly.

“‘Stokesy’ messaged me with a question mark, ‘Ashes?’, and I hadn’t heard of Leachy(‘s injury) at the time, and I just went ‘lol’, thinking he’s taking the mickey,” Moeen mentioned in a press convention.

However, after studying about Jack Leach’s unavailability, Moeen had a dialog with Stokes to debate the chance.

“Then the news came through and I had a chat with him (Stokes),” Moeen defined. “That was it. It’s the Ashes. To be part of it would be amazing.”

Moeen’s choice to return to Test cricket was closely influenced by his rapport with Stokes, whom he hung out with as teammate on the Chennai Super Kings throughout this yr’s Indian Premier League. He acknowledged Stokes’ function in his comeback, stating that no different captain might have satisfied him to rethink retirement.

Moeen, who has performed 64 Test matches for England, has showcased his expertise as each a harmful batter and a talented off-spinner. However, he has struggled within the Ashes battles towards Australia, together with his bowling common skyrocketing from 36.66 to 64.65 in these encounters.

Moeen is enthusiastic concerning the alternative to be a part of the Ashes collection and contribute to England’s pursuit of their first Ashes triumph since 2015. He additionally praised the affect of Stokes on the workforce’s efficiency, highlighting the liberty and confidence he brings to their strategy.

“The fact that it is the Ashes and it is such a big series, to be part of it would be amazing,” Moeen mentioned.

England, underneath the steerage of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, have skilled vital success, profitable 11 out of their 13 Tests.