England's star all-rounder Moeen Ali retires from international cricket after being dropped from the team

Ali, 37, said in an interview with British newspaper The Daily Mail that it was “time for the next generation.” “It felt like the time was right. I've done my part,” Ali said.

Ali played 68 Tests, 138 One-Day Internationals and 92 Twenty20 Internationals for England, winning the World Cup in both shorter formats.

He said he still feels he can compete at the highest level but is trying to “be realistic” about his international future.

“I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know that in reality I won't do that,” Ali told the Mail.

Matthew Mott was sacked as head coach of England's limited-overs teams last month following disappointing defences of their ODI and T20 World Cup titles, and the desire for change continued with the removal of Ali and Jonny Bairstow from the squad – two experienced players with over 400 international caps between them.

Moeen has been an influential vice-captain to Jos Buttler in recent years. England host Australia in an eight-match white-ball tour that begins with a T20 in Southampton on Wednesday. AP