Moeen Ali: England all-rounder on Test retirement, his career and future

[Animous]

England all-rounder Moeen Ali says he ended his Test career because he found the format "really difficult to get into" and "really long".

The 34-year-old retired on Monday, but will still play white-ball cricket.

"It has been bubbling for a bit of time," Moeen said. "I am really content and happy with my decision.

"The break between 2019 to playing three Tests this summer was too long and my mindset had changed. I found it difficult to really concentrate."

He added: "I just found it really long and really difficult to get into - it is a shame.

"To be given the vice-captaincy against India was great and a huge honour and Joe Root always asked me a lot more towards the end, and made me feel more involved in the side, but I just couldn't do it. I found it a struggle.

"The Ashes this winter would have been very difficult. I don't think I would have gone because 14 days quarantining is a long time and I wouldn't be surprised if people pull out because of that."

Listen to the full 44-minute interview with Moeen Ali

In a wide-ranging interview with Aatif Nawaz for the Test Match Special podcast Moeen also spoke about:

His flexible role with England

His favourite moments in Test cricket

How he hopes he has inspired others

What the future holds - both in his playing career and post-retirement

'I wasn't true to my batting'

During his 64 Tests Moeen batted in every position from one to nine for England, with 66 of his 111 innings coming at seven and eight in the order.

His role often changed, depending on whether he was the frontline spinner or not, but he says that allowed him to play "a lot more games".

"There is a quote saying 'I was wasted, but in a good way' and what I meant by that is that I was so up and down the order it is hard to be stable and have your spot in the side," added Moeen added.

"I played a lot, but I wasn't true to my batting, and maybe if I had a settled spot I could have batted better and scored a lot more runs.

"The one thing I do miss, because of coming in at eight or nine, is the art of batting.

"I went away from it because I didn't believe I had the opportunities to score big, but there are no complaints whatsoever. I really enjoyed it and it is just how it is."

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