I’ve missed playing for England, admits Moeen

MOEEN Ali is likely to discuss his Test future with England captain Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood in the coming days after the spin-bowling all-rounder revealed he has “missed” representing his country.

The 32-year-old had been the leading Test wicket-taker in the world in the 12 months prior to the Ashes but a disappointing performance in the series opener against Australia in August last year led to him being axed. He lost his red-ball central contract and, with England’s blessing, took an extended break from the longest format after admitting he felt “burnt out”, meaning he was not considered for selection for the winter Test commitments in New Zealand and South Africa.

But the PA news agency understands a meeting between Moeen, Root and Silverwood is expected to take place in South Africa soon, in which his availability for next month’s Test trip to Sri Lanka will be top of the agenda.

Moeen was England’s joint leading wicket-taker on their last visit to Sri

Lanka in November 2018 with 18 scalps at an average of 24.5 in a 3-0 series win.

With 60 World Test Championship points up for grabs in each of the two matches in the forthcoming series against Dimuth Karunaratne’s side, whether Moeen tours could be critical to England’s hopes.

If he does decide to make himself accessible, Moeen would need to cut short his stay in the Pakistan Super League with Multan Sultans, coached by former England chief Andy Flower, who is understood to be sympathetic to the player’s situation.

Moeen, who is expected to miss the first ODI at Newlands, told Sky Sports: “I was thinking ‘I have missed this’, which is exactly the feeling I want.

“I don’t want anyone to think I don’t love playing for England because playing for your country is the greatest thing a cricketer can do.

“I am going to speak to Silverwood and Rooty (about Sri Lanka) but ultimately it is about if I feel I am ready to play again.”