Moeen Ali has had that he fell out of love for Test cricket last summer but is now keen to yet again represent England in the format.

Moeen was dropped after the first Ashes Test in 2019 where he took 3-172 across the game, despite being the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket in the 12 months that preceded the Ashes. Later in 2019, the ECB opted to give Moeen a white-ball only central contract.

“The Australia game at Edgbaston was a tough game but before then I had a good year with the ball,” said Moeen during a virtual press conference. “I was a little bit disappointed [on not getting a Test match central contract] but I also understood and I moved on quickly. It gave me the opportunity to look at other options in terms of playing less cricket, playing T20 and getting the enjoyment back in my cricket.

“I did fall out of love with the longer format and it gave me the opportunity to take a break from it and see if I wanted to play again or not. I would definitely like to play again.”

Moeen enjoyed a more low-key winter away from the Test team, taking part in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, the Pakistan Super League and the white-ball leg of England’s tour of South Africa.