Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from Test cricket - just a few months after making himself available again for Ben Stokes' side.
The Worcestershire all-rounder, who is vice-captain to Jos Buttler in limited overs internationals, has revealed that he told England coach Brendon McCullum of his decision. England go to Pakistan for a three-Test series in December following the T20 series that finished this week and the forthcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.
Ali admits that he is 'excited' by the direction in which the Test team is going under McCallum and captain Stokes, but he told the Daily Mail: "Test cricket is hard work. I'm 35 and something's got to give. I want to enjoy my cricket and it wouldn't be fair to reverse my decision and then struggle to give it my all.
"It's time to close the door on that side of my career. To play 64 Tests for England has been a privilege and a dream fulfilled. Watching the boys, I got the feeling this is how I've always wanted to play the game but the more I thought about it and discussed it with those close to me, I knew deep down why I was done."
Speaking of the Pakistan tour, he added: "That's a trip I won't be making sadly. It's not something I'm keen on doing any more. I've had an honest chat with Baz (McCullum) and I can't see myself being stuck in hotels for another month and playing to the best of my ability. Baz phoned me, we spoke at length and I said, 'Sorry, I'm done'. He understands, he knows the feeling."
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