MOEEN Ali says he hopes Worcestershire supporters understand his need to take a break before England fly out to the United Arab Emirates at the start of a busy winter programme.

The all-rounder has not been available for the climax to the LV= County Championship programme against Durham and Middlesex after the conclusion of the Ashes and the ODI Series against Australia brought to an end a busy summer.

The 28-year-old’s desire to play for the County remains undiminished but he now is taking a break from cricket with the family before a winter programme that involves trips to Pakistan and South Africa and the ICC T20 tournament in India.

Moeen, who has been writing an exclusive blog for the ECB this summer, said: “It’s definitely been a full-on summer since getting selected back in May. It’s nice because it keeps you busy, and I do enjoy it.

“But I’m cherishing these two weeks I’ve got now before we head off to the UAE. I’ll do a little bit of practice and training but really it’s the chance to spend some time with my family before the start of a busy winter away.

“I hope the Worcestershire supporters understand that, because I’ll always love playing for the club but now I do need the break.”

England will fly out to the UAE on September 30.

Moeen, who has just been awarded his second central contract by England, has had plenty of individual highlights he can look back on with England this summer.

He said: “For me I’ll never forget taking the catch at Lord’s for the last wicket against New Zealand.

“That was one of my best feelings ever on a cricket pitch, especially after the way the game had gone.

“Beating the Australians in the Twenty20 and getting a few runs, that was great as well.

“There was the second day at Cardiff, when I got 70-something and then picked up Michael Clarke and Steve Smith. Also bowling with Adil Rashid in the one-dayer at Old Trafford. They’ve all been great feelings.”