London, May 13 -- Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali termed star India batter Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket as a "massive blow" to the format, saying that the 36-year-old pushed the format by bringing spectators to the stadiums and competition.

Ahead of the five-match England tour, which will kickstart India's ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign, Virat stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from the format, drawing curtains to a 14-year-long, 123-match big career.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Moeen said, "It is a massive blow to Test cricket. Virat was the one pioneer, the one guy in Test cricket that always pushed the format. He has done so much for the game, especially in India. I think after Sach...