• Source:JND

Moeen Ali was so kind and gracious to withdraw his retirement and return to the England side just for the Ashes series after fellow spinner Jack Leach picked up an injury ahead of the marquee series.

Ali on Monday once again made an announcement to retire after he helped his team clinch a famous win at The Oval with the series ending in a 2-2 result.

"Been amazing, great to come back. Was taken aback when I got the message from Stokes, didn't know that Leach was injured but I really enjoyed it after coming into the series. I knew mentally it was going to be tough but I knew the toughest thing was going to be physical. Was an amazing series, I'll never forget. I thought it's going to be my last few Test matches so I'll do it for the team," Moeen said after the game.

Moeen decided to return to the England side after skipper Ben Stokes asked him to do so as the off-spinner took a funny jibe at his captain saying that he will delete the message if he will receive one from captain Ben Stokes.

"I know I'm done. If Stokes messages me again, I'm going to delete it. That's me done," he added.

Even though Ali started contributing effectively since his inclusion in the team in Ashes, he was one of the remarkable performers for the hosts in the final Test, especially on the fifth day where he picked the crucial wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Pat Cummins.

He finished with 3/76 in the second innings and also opened on his thoughts on Smith's catch drop but went on to appreciate Jonny Bairstow for his brilliant work behind the stumps.

As soon as I saw it going into his hand I thought it was out but I was gutted when I saw it went down. I thought I'm never going to get Steve Smith out again. These things happen in Test cricket. Happy for Bairstow, he's done really well with the bat and gloves.

Ali, who finished his 68-match Test career with 204 wickets also lauded Stuart Broad for his long and loyal services to the English team.

"Really pleased for Broad as well for the way he finished."

Skipper Stokes applauded Ali's effort in the series and appreciated him while adding that he will let him make his decision about the India series.

"Moeen came in after an unfortunate injury to Jack Leach. I picked him because I knew what he was capable of. He was just incredible. We'll let Moeen reflect on everything and make his decision about the India series," Stokes said at the post-match presentation.