To be part of World Cup winning team – ‘a once-in-a lifetime experience,’

English cricketer Moeen Ali mentioned that it was a once in a lifetime experience to be part of a World Cup winning team even though he was not a part of the games in the latter half of the campaign.

After 44 years, England finally claimed their maiden ICC World Cup after a breathtaking victory over New Zealand in Lord’s earlier this year. Even though Moeen Ali was part of the squad and even featured in the initial few matches, he was benched towards the business end of the tournament. But, he does not feel sad about the matter because he felt that the tournament became seamer friendly and captain Eoin Morgan was bang on to call his shots on fielding the quicker bowlers.

“To be part of a World Cup‑winning squad was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There was no resentment or sadness from missing the later games. The tournament became seamer-heavy in terms of conditions and I had full faith that Eoin Morgan was picking the right team to win. He always explained his decisions to me. So this was anything but a hard time,” said Moeen Ali as reported by Guardian.

Moeen Ali has taken a taken a break from International cricket to extent his career further and is likely to give the South Africa tour a miss. Even though his record against the Proteas have been impressive, Ali felt that it was ‘too soon’ to take the field once again after the end of the home summer.

“Last week there were conversations about whether I felt ready to return for the South Africa tour and naturally part of me was keen to get back out there. My record against them is pretty good and as a team we have happy memories of winning there four years ago,” added Ali

The Brit has already played 60 Test matches for the Three Lions and has been a valuable inclusion to the unit. He admitted that it was a privilege for him to play so many matches for England. But he is still not sure on when he would make a comeback to the Test arena.

“Playing 60 Tests has meant so much to me, especially picking up 181 wickets and five five-wicket hauls, which for a guy who grew up thinking as a batter first is something I never thought possible. My batting is where I really want to find form again, though. Five Test centuries suggests I have it in me,” said the cricketer.

England will tour South Africa for a four-match Test series followed by 3 ODIs and as many T20Is beginning on December 20.