Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Whaling

Moeen Ali reveals Brendon McCullum talks and is open to Test return under Ben Stokes

Moeen Ali has revealed he has held talks with Brendon McCullum and is open to an England Test return under the new coach and skipper Ben Stokes.

The 34-year-old called time on his career in the longest format in September after winning 64 caps for his country.

Moeen joined the BBC commentary box for the second day of England's second Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

And he admitted he had held talks with Kiwi McCullum - and that the door was open for him to return to the Test arena.

"He [Brendon McCullum] got the job and he messaged me the day after during the IPL and said are you in? He said he will call me on the weekend," Moeen said. "So we spoke and he said look in future if we need you if there are injuries or a tour in the sub continent etc, are you keen to play?

"He's a very difficult person to say no to that and I found that very, very hard. He's very convincing. To be honest, I'd love to play under him and Stokesy. Both of them have that character about them. They're very aggressive. I think I would suit their cricket a bit more and I think they feel I would suit them as well."

Moeen, who received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list last week, has 195 Test scalps to his name, with only two spinners - Derek Underwood and Graeme Swann - having taken more wickets for England.

A stylish left-hand bat, he also has five centuries to his name since making his Test bow in 2014.

Moeen called time on his Test career in September (Andrew Fosker/REX/Shutterstock)

England will tour Pakistan for the first time in 17 years this winter, with seven T20s and three Test matches scheduled.

Spin will play a huge part and Moeen, whose family originate from Pakistan, could play a huge part if he decides to reverse his retirement from the five-day game.

"We've not been there for many, many years. It would be a great tour to be part of, for sure," he added.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.