31 July 2023 , 18:19
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Moeen Ali insists he will not answer another SOS call from Ben Stokes after announcing his retirement after the Ashes.
Ali reversed his decision to retire ahead of the Ashes and was called up as a replacement for the injured Jack Leach. Skipper Stokes had turned to the 36-year-old and text him out of the blue to ask if he would consider coming back, with Ali simply replying 'Lol'.
He did make his return and played a key role in England drawing the series thanks to a thrilling final day at The Oval. Stuart Broad was the star of the show as he took two wickets, including the last ball of the series, on his final England appearance.
But Ali also caught the eye with three of his own and left the field alongside Broad to huge acclaim from both sets of supporters.
And speaking after the match, Ali confirmed he has no plans to pull on the England shirt again. He said: "It was great to come back. When Stokesy messaged me I was a little bit taken aback. I have never played that well against Australia.
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"But I thought: "Why not, I'm going to go into a brilliant side and I still believe I can do alright," and it's just great to be back part of this amazing team. I'm so glad I came back and said yes.
"I’m done. If Stokesy messages me again I’m going to delete it! I've had a good run and I have really enjoyed playing Test cricket with England and representing everyone in this country. It's been amazing."
Ali went on to laud some of his England teammates, including Broad, who sparked wild scenes at The Oval. "It is an amazing finish and to finish with Broady taking the last wicket, probably the only player to take a six on his last ball and take a wicket on his last ball, amazing, and it's a great win.
"From the first day I came back into the changing room with Baz and Stokesy and to play again with Broad and Jimmy and Woody, it's been amazing and I'm chuffed that I can finish with a win against Australia with a bit of a helping hand."
Stokes also had praise for Ali, and said the decision on his future will be his own and there will be no pressure to come back this time around. He said: "I chose him because I knew what he could do on his good days and when it really mattered he's produced one of his best days as an England player.
"He changed the game for us. To put in those performances has been incredible. We'll let him reflect on everything in the last six weeks and leave him to decide."