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England are hoping to speed up Moeen Ali’s transition into coaching after his international retirement by offering him opportunities with the national programme.
After 298 international appearances across formats, Moeen confirmed his international retirement last week. While Moeen will continue to play for franchise cricket, where he remains highly sought after for his all-round skills, at 37 he is starting to focus on life after his playing career and England are eager to use his skills to nurture the next generation of players.
Moeen was due to be a consultant for England’s U19 tri-series against Ireland and Scotland, which begins on Thursday, but he received a late offer to play in the Caribbean Premier League after Birmingham Bears were knocked out in the T20 Blast. Talks with Moeen show how highly regarded his leadership skills are by the England team.
England fully understand that Moeen has accepted the offer to join the Guyana Amazon Warriors, recognising the appeal of franchise cricket. But, when Moeen’s schedule allows, England will endeavour to utilise his expertise within the preparation programme, working with either the England U19s or the England Lions.
When Moeen confirmed his international retirement last week, he confirmed his desire to get involved in coaching.
“I want to be a coach, I want to be one of the best,” he said. “I can learn a lot from Baz [Brendon McCullum]”I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some good shots and some not so good shots, but I hope people enjoyed watching me play.”
The positive talks with Moeen are in line with England chief executive Rob Key’s desire to quickly transition former top players into coaching roles. In March, Key told Telegraph Sport: “Moeen Ali will be, in my opinion, a great coach.”
James Anderson, who retired from Test cricket in July, immediately agreed to become the fast bowling coach. The arrangement worked so well that he will hold the position during the winter Test series in Pakistan and New Zealand.
Legendary former all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has taken on a new coaching role following his car crash while recording Top Gear in December 2022. Flintoff worked as a consultant with England U19s and the national team before his appointment last week as the new England Lions head coach.
Former England internationals Graeme Swann and Ian Bell have also been involved in England Lions training this year.
