Former England cricketer Moeen Ali is all set to embark on a new journey after ending his international career. According to reports from the Telegraph, it has been learnt that the former captain of the national team will be approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the position of coach.
The England and Wales Cricket Board will offer Moeen Ali opportunities under the national coaching programme. The all-rounder reportedly wants to focus on his life, but the governing body is keen to use him to help develop the next generation of players. They believe his high all-round skills will be of great use to young players.
Moeen was reportedly set to be the technical advisor for England’s Under-19 team during the tri-series against Ireland and Scotland, which begins on Thursday. However, things did not go well as the all-rounder received the offer to play in the Caribbean Premier League. The ECB is in talks with the all-rounder and it is learnt that the board highly values his leadership skills.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are keeping a close eye on the schedule of Moeen, who recently signed a bid to join the Guyana Amazon Warriors. They are looking for a window when the all-rounder can be free and they can utilise his experience within the transition programme, working with the England Under-19s or the England Lions.
Training is something I want to do – Moeen Ali
After Moeen Ali announced his retirement from international cricket, the all-rounder expressed his desire to coach the team. He stated that he wants to learn from Brendon McCullum and said:
“I want to be a coach, I want to be one of the best. I can learn a lot from Baz.” [Brendon McCullum]I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I made some good shots and some bad ones, but I hope people enjoyed watching me.”
The decision to bring former players into the England squad on a fast-track basis is the brainchild of England chief executive Rob Key. Earlier this year, at the game, the governing body chief also criticised the all-rounder’s involvement in the coaching team. He had said: “I think Moeen Ali will be an excellent coach.”
England have been involving former players in the build-up to Test matches of late. James Anderson, who retired from Test cricket in July, immediately took over as the team’s fast bowling coach. He will also be part of the series against Pakistan and New Zealand.
Andrew Flintoff was also involved in the organisation of the coaching team. He worked as a consultant with England’s Under-19s and senior teams before his appointment last week as the new England Lions head coach.
Graeme Swann and Ian Bell have also been involved in the coaching of the England Lions this year. It remains to be seen what Moeen Ali’s future in the coaching of the England team will be.
