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England cricketer Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from Test cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Monday.

Moeen who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with the Chennai Super Kings, said that while he enjoyed Test cricket, the intensity of it all "can be too much sometimes".

"I'm 34 now and I want to play for as long as I can and I just want to enjoy my cricket. Test cricket is amazing, when you're having a good day it's better than any other format by far, it's more rewarding and you feel like you've really earnt it,” said in a statement.

"I will miss just walking out there with the lads, playing against best in the world with that feeling of nerves but also from a bowling point of view, knowing with my best ball I could get anyone out. I've enjoyed Test Cricket but that intensity can be too much sometimes and I feel like I've done enough of it and I'm happy and content with how I've done," he added.

However, the off-spinner will continue to play the limited over series for England and will participate in the franchise leagues.

"I felt like I was done, to be honest. I was hoping to play the last Test - there were a couple of milestones I wanted to pass - but once that game got called off, I realised that was it,” Moeen added.

Ali thanked his coaches, captains and all of his family for their support during his Test career.

“I have to thank Peter Moores and Chris Silverwood for being my coaches and Peter for giving me my debut. Cookie and Rooty as the captains who I’ve enjoyed playing under and I hope they are happy with how I played,"

Moeen has represented England in 64 Tests, scoring 2,914 runs at an average of 28.29. The left-handed batsman has five centuries and 14 half-centuries in the longest format.