McCullum Said He's Not Bothered How I Perform: Moeen Ali On His U-Turn From Test Retirement Ahead Of Ashes 2023

Veteran England all-rounder Moeen Ali is honest and open about his Test comeback, the context behind it and why he has returned. England were left with no option but to recall and persuade Moeen Ali out of retirement after left-arm spinner Jack Leach was ruled out of the Ashes due to a back stress fracture. Moeen, who had retired from the format in 2021 after the India series citing workload management and giving time to his family, said that he wants to give his everything for England in the upcoming Ashes series and more than he has done before.

Speaking to the press a couple of days ahead of the big series, Moeen said that he wanted to be in with everything he has got and not be half-hearted while saying yes after he revealed his 'lol' response to Ben Stokes' 'Ashes?' question.

“That last thing I would want to do was say ‘yes’ and not be in it properly with everything,” he said. “One thing I really want to make clear is I’m going to try to give this everything I’ve got. More than I did before probably. And be a massive part of what could be a huge series. I want to be involved in this," Moeen said.

Asked about his mindset going into the series, Moeen said he is absolutely free in hid head. The 35-year-old said that he is not playing for his spot as he knows this is his final series regardless while opening up about what the red-ball coach Brendon McCullum said.

“It’s a free hit. I’m not playing for my spot. There’s no pressure, really. I spoke to Baz and he said he’s not bothered about how I perform, which is quite nice," he added.

The English all-rounder was quick to admit that he will be taken for runs by Australia and that every spinner would be attacked so he is prepared to go for runs as the Pat Cummins-led side will target him. Moeen signed off the press conference by saying that he won't go to India early next year for the five-match Test series, hence indicated that Ashes will definitely be his swansong.