Moeen Ali has reiterated his desire to play Test cricket for England again, having been impressed by the immediate impact new coach Brendon McCullum has had on the side.
Moeen retired from Test cricket last September, revealing he had "found it a struggle to get in the zone bowling and batting and in the field" during the India series. However, the 34-year-old has been in contact with McCullum about a potential return and has officially reversed his retirement.
And in an interview with former England captain Michael Atherton for the Times, Moeen has revealed that while he is keen to play Test cricket again, he does not want to be "the No 1 spinner" again.
He said: "I hadn't watched Test cricket that much since I retired but when I watched the last two games . . ." "You felt like you wanted a piece of it?" suggested Atherton.
"Exactly that," Moeen replied. "When Baz [McCullum] took over I knew it was going to be like that.
"I spoke to Jos [Buttler] the other day and we were talking about it — if only it was a year or so before, but everything has its time. I've spoken to Brendon a lot.
"He is looking to the winter and, of course, I want to see Jack [Leach] doing well. I don't want to be the No 1 spinner and we are not talking a two or three-year cycle, but it's more that if they've got injuries or need three or four spinners for a tour and they still feel like I'm playing well enough, then I'm more than happy to come and do it."
Moeen could make his return this winter, with England set to play three Test matches in Pakistan. And the tour would hold great significance for Moeen, given his mother was born in Pakistan and England have not played there since 2005.
"That would be unbelievable and it would be great motivation," he added. "There's family history there, my mum was born there, and to tour after such a long period would be amazing.
"All tours are big there, but when England go there, that's the biggest thing for Pakistan fans and I’d like to be part of that."
