Warwickshire First Team Coach Mark Robinson said Moeen Ali still has plenty to offer the Bears following his retirement from international cricket.
Ali has called time on an England career that spanned almost a decade and included 68 Tests, 138 one-day internationals and 92 IT20s.
The all-rounder said it was “time for the next generation” in English cricket.
“I could hold on and try to play for England again,” said the 37-year-old, “but I know in reality I won’t and I need to be real to myself.
“Even retiring, I don’t feel it’s because I’m not good enough; I still feel I can play. But I get how things are, and the team needs to evolve into another cycle.”
Robinson was England Lions’ Head Coach at the start of 2014 and oversaw a tour party to Sri Lanka that featured Ali alongside Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood.
Ali played two games against the hosts – scoring two 50s and taking seven wickets – before departing to join the full England squad on a tour of the West Indies.
Robinson recalled: “He was highly thought of then but more as a batter on that tour than a bowler, though he certainly caught the eye with the ball. You could tell England had a special talent on their hands.
“He’s a magnificent cricketer. There’s no better looking cricketer than an in-form Moeen Ali. It’s the way he plays, he’s lovely on the eye. A left-hander, languid and calm as a batter, and spins the ball viciously, very attacking.
“He’s batted just about every position for England, from opener all the way down to seven, a selfless player and a versatile player.”
Ali has featured in 10 Vitality Blast games for the Bears since returning to his boyhood Club from Worcestershire before the 2023 season.
This summer he hit 205 runs in five innings (41.00 ave) – including his blistering 103 against Leicestershire in the final group game – and took five wickets.
Robinson added: “Moeen has still got a lot to give the game and a lot to give the Bears in white ball cricket.
“He’s been a great influence in the Bears camp since his return to Edgbaston. There’s no better player for our young guys to learn from.
“As a Club we congratulate him on everything he’s achieved and hope he can have the best of his remaining playing years with the Bears.”
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