Moeen Ali says he wants to play a pivotal part in the Bears 2025 Vitality Blast following his retirement from international cricket.
The 37-year-old has experienced a stop-start Edgbaston homecoming since rejoining his boyhood Club on a three-year deal ahead of the 2023 season.
A shock return to Test cricket that summer – to answer England’s Ashes SOS – saw him play just four T20 games in his first summer back in Birmingham.
And he was restricted to six Blast outings last year due to his involvement with England in the ICC T20 World Cup.
Ali recently called time on an England career that included 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 IT20s – and now his focus is on helping the Bears reach Finals Day.
He said: “To help the Bears win the Blast, that’s the focus, it would personally be one of my greatest achievements. That’s the goal, and it’s been the goal ever since I rejoined.
“The Blast is a great competition to play in, it’s unique, and I’ve always enjoyed playing in it around my England commitments.
“I’m really looking forward to it. The first year was quite difficult for me, coming in for just four games, but last year I felt really settled. I got to know the guys a lot more, they got to know me, it’s been really good.”
Ali blasted 205 runs in just five innings (41.00 ave) last year including his jaw-dropping 103 against Leicestershire in the final North Group game.
“I enjoyed that knock,” he added. “The game before I got 60-odd as well, I felt in good shape. And it was the first time I’ve opened the batting.
“It was nice just to get a score for the Bears, to do well. I enjoyed those two innings, it felt good to me and hopefully it was good to watch.
“I just want to play as much as I can, wherever I’m picked to play because I still love playing. I still have passion for the game. And I love being in a team environment.
“I’m 37, I still have a good two or three years left in me at least. But I also enjoy talking to players about the game, tactics, and I think that’ll help me move smoothly into coaching after my playing days are over.”
Bears v Pears. The ultimate fan experience.
Digbeth Dining Club. Pravha Band. The best atmosphere in the Blast. One big rivalry. Bears v Pears returns on Friday 26 June.
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