Sky Sports Cricket’s Nasser Hussain believes Moeen Ali is an “inspirational” cricketer on and off the field after the spin bowler announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
The 37-year-old’s glittering decade-long international career ended with him having played 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20Is.
Moeen, who became the first British Asian to captain England in a T20I when he led the team against Australia in 2020, has been an influential vice-captain for Jos Buttler in recent times.
Despite featuring for England in the T20 World Cup earlier this summer, Moeen was left out of the squad for the team’s upcoming series against Australia which starts on Wednesday, bringing his international career to an end.
For Hussain, Moeen’s career will be remembered not only for his long list of accolades, but also for how important the figure was during that time to his community.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Take a look at Moeen Ali’s best wickets at home in the Ashes ahead of his return to the England squad this year
“He was a very important and inspirational cricketer on and off the cricket field,” Hussain said. Sky Sports.
“One of England’s most influential multi-format cricketers. Ashes winner, 50-over World Cup winner, 20-over World Cup winner.
“They say he has a weird brain. He plays some good shots and some bad shots.
“I think anyone who watches him play likes it, but those who play with him like it too.
“You can imagine this morning’s WhatsApp will be in a frenzy as he is a popular member of any team he has played for.
“He is an entertainer but also a key figure in the field of British Asians and British Muslims.
“Moeen is a role model for his community. He talks about when he was growing up, parents might want you to be a doctor or something, but he and Adil Rashid have shown that there are many different paths for people from that community.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Moeen Ali confirmed his retirement from Test cricket last summer after helping England draw the Ashes series 2-2
Broad: One of my favorite friends
For Stuart Broad, Moeen will be one of his friend’s “favourites” – a strong desire to win for England from when they played in the U-17s together.
Despite a career full of highlights, Broad will remember Moeen most for his contribution to the dressing room as a leader.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Stuart Broad paid tribute to his former teammate Moeen Ali who has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
“He’s one of my best friends,” Broad said.
“I first shared a dressing room with him for the U-17 XI against Bangladesh U-19 and did well there.
“He just has a great quality about him. He’s someone who can make the whole dressing room feel relaxed, he’s got a great sense of humor about him.
“He cares a lot about paying England and winning cricket games.
“For me, it’s not about the stats or the numbers with Moeen Ali, it’s about the contribution he has in the dressing room and the little moments in the game that will have a big smile on his face.
“There was a moment here (at The Oval) when he took a hat-trick to win the Test match and the joy of watching the big screen and watching him win the Test match, that was a great moment in my mind.
“The celebration of all the friends around us sums up what it means to everyone.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Moeen Ali passed 3,000 test runs after scoring four in England’s first innings on the second day of the fourth Ashes Test.
Ponting: He was an entertainer
Although the bowler plays, Moeen is also known to be very handy with the bat, with Sky Sports Cricket’s Mark Butcher once referred to his bat swing as the “Rolls Royce” of his time playing at Headingley.
Indeed for Australian legend Ricky Ponting, he will remember Moeen best for the fun times.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Moeen Ali went big with three sixes in a row for Chennai Super Kings before being caught in the boundary for his fourth try against Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
“I think the one word he’s going to use is entertainer,” Ponting said.
“I love watching him bat and the flow of the bat. Everyone talks about his bat swing and how much time it takes.
“Multi-format is another. He has been a dynamic T20, ODI international player as well.
“Anyone who has played 68 Test matches has had a fantastic career.
“I’m sure he will be remembered long and hard around the world.”
Monday September 9 10:15
Watch day four of the third and final Test between England and Sri Lanka, from The Kia Oval, live Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10:15 a.m. (11am first ball).
