Moeen Ali finally responds on avoiding England's champagne celebrations

The English cricketers were all smiles on Monday and why should not they be? They defeated the formidable South Africa by a margin of 3-1. Hence, the joys of the cricketers knew no bounds after securing the important series. After the match, the traditional celebrations session followed and out flew the cork of the champagne bottles. The players drenched themselves in champagne and celebrated the victory in style.

But lo! A major member of the English squad was missing from the ‘one big happy family’. All-rounder Moeen Ali walked off when the rest of the lot began to open the champagne bottles. Being a Muslim, he has received praises from many people of his community for this act. This was not the first time he did this. In 2014, Ali acted the same way when the Three Lions won the Investec Test series.

In 2015, the same act was repeated by the all-rounder after winning the Ashes. But many questioned whether by acting in such a manner, he felt as an outcast or not. Moeen Ali has finally replied and has confirmed that he does not feel as an outcast by not participating in just spraying a bottle.

“The team understand I stay away from the champagne thing. Cooky said, ‘Make sure we take the picture first’ and then I moved out of the way. I don’t feel I miss out — it’s just spraying a bottle, not that exciting really! But we have a great laugh. I really enjoy being in the changing room,” told Ali in his interview with The Sun.

Not just Moeen Ali!

If anyone is thinking that Moeen Ali is the only English cricketer to act in such a way then he or she is making a huge mistake. Ali’s team-mate Adil Rashid, who shares the similar religious faith as Ali, also walked away from the celebrations last year, where champagne was involved.