Moeen Ali revealed that it was England captain Ben Stokes who managed to persuade him to come out of his Test retirement. With first-choice spinner Jack Leach ruled out of the upcoming Ashes series against Australia, Stokes sent Moeen a single-word message that simply read, “Ashes?” This message was enough to entice the slow-bowling all-rounder back into England’s Test squad.

Moeen is now in line to make a return to Test cricket, possibly at his home ground of Edgbaston in Birmingham, as the Ashes series gets underway on Friday. Speaking to reporters at Edgbaston on Tuesday, Moeen shared the story of how Stokes approached him.

“Stokesy messaged me with a question mark – ‘Ashes?'” Moeen recalled. Initially, Moeen thought it was a joke since he hadn’t heard the news about Leach’s injury. However, after learning the truth, he had a conversation with Stokes, and that was enough to convince him. Being part of the Ashes is a special opportunity for Moeen, and he expressed his excitement about the prospect.

The relationship between Moeen and Stokes, which developed during their time together at the Chennai Super Kings in this year’s Indian Premier League, played a significant role in Moeen’s decision. When asked if any other captain could have persuaded him to change his mind, Moeen replied, “Probably not, no.”

Moeen, who will turn 36 on Sunday, last played Test cricket in September 2021. Although his performance against Australia has been challenging, with his bowling average in Ashes cricket increasing from 36.66 to 64.65, he is eager to be part of England’s quest for their first Ashes series victory since 2015.

“The fact that it is the Ashes and it is such a big series, to be part of it would be amazing,” expressed Moeen.

England’s success rate has been impressive since Stokes joined forces with coach Brendon McCullum last year, winning 11 out of their 13 Tests. Moeen stated that he is enthusiastic about being part of the team’s exciting brand of cricket.

“With this style of play, there are no doubts about the shots you play, which gives me the freedom to take a few more risks, I suppose,” Moeen explained. “Even with the ball, he [Stokes] has an aggressive approach. I know I might go for runs, but Stokesy also knows that I have the ability to take wickets. That’s all he cares about.”