Moeen Ali hopes he can gain insight from Andrew Flintoff to become a more well-rounded coach in order to one day reach the top flight for England.
Flintoff, England’s 2005 Ashes talisman and former captain, is overseeing the second-team Lions’ white-ball tour against Pakistan Shaheens, with Moeen and Ben Stokes on the backroom staff.
“Obviously the aim is to become the head coach of an international cricket team,” said Moeen, who played 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20s for England. “It would be great to be England’s head coach one day.
“There are different aspects to coaching. Some people are more technical, some people are more spiritual, and some people are more hands-on and hands-on. It’s just a matter of working out what you’re good at and what you’re not good at.”
Moeen, who is currently looking to further his knowledge away from playing, is relishing the opportunity to pick the brains of Flintoff, whose Lions side play their first game in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
“That’s the way he is,” Moen said. “We are completely different personalities, similar but different in the way we speak and when we say things.
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Moeen Ali believes Brendon McCullum is fit to lead England with a few adjustments.
“I would like to ask him a few questions, but Freddie has that aura about him, he never gets down as a player or a coach, he understands the emotions and the players.
“Some coaches can be very ups and downs and very emotional, but that’s not the case with Freddie. He gives motivational talks and sometimes gives the players extra confidence, which is very difficult.”
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Moeen Ali has scrapped his retirement plans to join Yorkshire, but hopes the move will help the team continue to build bridges with the local community. Five years ago, Moeen spoke out in support of Azeem Rafiq, who experienced racism during his time at Yorkshire University.
“I’m focusing more on that side because I would say the coaching I’ve done so far has been on the technical side of things. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Moeen reversed his decision to retire to join Yorkshire for this year’s Vitality Blast, but is studying towards ECB Level 3 qualification.
Stokes joined the United Arab Emirates Lions while rehabbing from an adductor injury sustained during the Ashes. Later, while coaching in Durham, he was hit by a ball and broke his cheek, which required surgery.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Ben,” Moen said. “I played with Ben a lot and we spent a lot of time together (during his playing days). I think he’s going to be a great coach in the future.”
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