Moeen initially retired from Test cricket at the end of the 2021 summer, but was cajoled into making a comeback after Jack Leach was ruled out by a stress fracture on the eve of the 2023 Ashes. The now famous story is that England captain Ben Stokes texted him “Ashes?” with Moeen at first replying “Lol” before agreeing to return.

England face another spin headache on their upcoming tour to India. While Leach is expected to be fit again, the spin stocks are bare, though the likes of Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed and Liam Dawson could all come into the frame. Stokes hinted that Moeen could still have a place in England’s plans speaking to BBC Test Match Special.

“He came in because of an unfortunate injury,” he said “I chose him because I knew what he could do on his good days and when it really mattered he’s produced one of his best days as an England player. He changed the game for us. To put in those performances has been incredible. We’ll let him reflect on everything in the last six weeks and leave him to decide.”

However, Moeen said he wouldn’t be tempted into another outing. “If Stokesy messages me again, I’m going to delete it,” he told Sky Sports after the end of the game.

Moeen has played an important part in an enthralling series. His campaign started in tough fashion, with a blistered spinning finger hampering his participation at Edgbaston, with England going with an all-seam attack for Lord’s. Recalled for Headingley, he told Brendon McCullum he was willing to bat at No.3 in the second innings, helping England solve their other injury headache after Ollie Pope was ruled out with a dislocated shoulder.

I will be very surprised if Stokes isn't having that conversation with Moeen Ali about being in India in February. If fit and available, he should be among the first 4 players England pick. My first 5? Stokes, Root, Leach, Moeen, Wood

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 31, 2023

His promotion reaped rewards, with a half-century at Old Trafford laying the platform for a massive England total, but a groin injury limited him again at the Kia Oval. Moeen played two attacking cameos, and defied his injury to take three key wickets in the fourth innings, including two in two overs as England surged back into the game on the final evening.

He ended the series having become just the 16th Test cricketer to reach the dual milestones of 3,000 runs and 200 wickets. Moeen, a double World Cup and Ashes winner, will continue to play a part for England in white-ball cricket, and is expected to play a significant role in their attempted World Cup defence in October and November this year.