The return of Alex Hales to England’s T20 squad

[Hasan123]

Alex Hales has been brilliant form in T20 leagues over the last couple of years . This is in different conditions as well which shows he can adapt to different conditions. Hales has been out of the England squad for a while due to off the field problems. But this was 2 years ago. Jason Roy is a top class player but has been inconsistent in T20 internationals, Malan may be better at 3 ,and Johnny Bairstow has shown he can bat at 3 or 4 .

Alex Hales has made mistakes but he is in good form. Is it time for England to at least have him in the squad and give him a chance?

For me I would integrate him back in and give him a chance as he has shown he is a world class T20 player. He has made mistakes but he has now apologised for them.

 

[Markhor]

Yes he's been punished enough.

England allowed Ben Stokes to return after a more serious charge of beating someone up outside a nightclub, so there shouldn't be double standards with Hales.

 

[Hasan123]

Yes he's been punished enough.

England allowed Ben Stokes to return after a more serious charge of beating someone up outside a nightclub, so there shouldn't be double standards with Hales.

Agreed. There is no real clarity on why Hales has not been given another chance. He is performing In T20s that he is playing so he is not being left out for cricketing reasons that is for sure.

 

[Mesozoic]

Jason Roy
Jonny Bairstow
Jos Butler
Tom Banton

Good luck breaking in to that opening slot.

Both Hales and Vince are extremely unfortunate that they're playing in an era of English white ball dominance. Any other country (barring India and Australia), they're pretty much automatic picks.

And then there are the likes of Livingston and Billings too..

 

[Firebat]

This guy is one of the best and most accomplished white-ball batsmen in the world in my opinion, yet England are barely even missing him. Incredible squad depth, and very very unlucky for Hales. He can't be doing much more

 

[Firebat]

Just hit Aamer Yamin for 29 in an over, the most expensive over in PSL history.

He's currently 40 from 16

 

[Firebat]

End of a brilliant innings from Hales, 46 from 21 balls

 

[Titan24]

One of the best T20 openers around. He will make any squad in the world stronger.

 

[Firebat]

Make no mistake, it was Hales' blitz that broke the back of this 196 chase and put ISLU 30-40 runs ahead of the game. Hasn't played international cricket for all this time and is still easily one of the best in the world

 

[BunnyRabbit]

He is among the best t20 openers around. Morgan should let his grudge go and reintegrate him. Buttler is not really working as a t20 opener and Roy has been in middling form of late.

 

[James]

I like Alex Hales. He is a top batter as well.

Unfortunately he is known within the game for being an erratic and untrustworthy party boy (And I have met people who know him personally — the reputation is, sadly, well earned).

This has now become a personal thing for Eoin Morgan, who in contrast to Hales is the model cricketing professional.

Eoin holds all of the power and influence in our white ball setup (rightly or wrongly). So unless & until Eoin signs it off, Alex won’t be allowed back.

 

[shamaan]

Hales should be in that england squad he will make england stronger than they already are

 

[aloo paratha]

The management seem to have something against him. He walks into every single international squad in limited overs cricket.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

His England career is done and rightly so. Every team has clauses against substance abuse.
He literally jeopardised the England WC campaign before starting and lost the dressing room.

 

[shaz619]

His England career is done and rightly so. Every team has clauses against substance abuse.
He literally jeopardised the England WC campaign before starting and lost the dressing room.

Yeah but meanwhile they have shown Ben Stokes a higher degree of leniency for much bigger issues, getting high is not the same as using physical violence or even cheating like Smith, Warner or even spot fixing. He has been isolated for nearly 2 years; it fair to say he has done his time and deserves a conversation at the very least, he has scored runs world over and made positive changes in his life, the ECB have not called coaches to check up on his behaviour etc or communicated a way forward, Hales is a fantastic bat who should be in the team regardless but if not ECB should explain why.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Yeah but meanwhile they have shown Ben Stokes a higher degree of leniency for much bigger issues, getting high is not the same as using physical violence or even cheating like Smith, Warner or even spot fixing. He has been isolated for nearly 2 years; it fair to say he has done his time and deserves a conversation at the very least, he has scored runs world over and made positive changes in his life, the ECB have not called coaches to check up on his behaviour etc or communicated a way forward, Hales is a fantastic bat who should be in the team regardless but if not ECB should explain why.

Getting high is not the only type of thing he is into snorting.
I don’t think he will make a comeback. Only if Morgan changes his stance I guess.
But issues with tampering and everyone knows why Stokes got into fight so, very different situation.

 

[shaz619]

I like Alex Hales. He is a top batter as well.

Unfortunately he is known within the game for being an erratic and untrustworthy party boy (And I have met people who know him personally — the reputation is, sadly, well earned).

This has now become a personal thing for Eoin Morgan, who in contrast to Hales is the model cricketing professional.

Eoin holds all of the power and influence in our white ball setup (rightly or wrongly). So unless & until Eoin signs it off, Alex won’t be allowed back.

But they are fine playing Stokes though so it’s hypocritical, Hales has been out for 2 years and he deserves another chance; in his time away he has reflected on his past and worked towards putting that behind him, ECB are treating him like he committed treason or something, no communication whatsoever or an explanation regarding whether he is in their plans, if not they should let him move on, his ambition though is still to play for England. With all due respect to Eoin, he needs to grow a pair and man up, your best mates are not always going to be the ones to win games but good cricketers do and on current form Hales is a no brainer over Jason Roy, there’s a world cup at stake so the time for action is now.

 

[shaz619]

Getting high is not the only type of thing he is into snorting.
I don’t think he will make a comeback. Only if Morgan changes his stance I guess.
But issues with tampering and everyone knows why Stokes got into fight so, very different situation.

I don’t recall him hurting another human being though or fixing etc it is a different situation, Stokes being violent is more of a red flag and he has been let off a number of times. Assuming hales did the worst possible, he has done his time being out the side for 2 years, improved his behaviour and scored runs to. It is up to Morgan but a weak move if he isn’t selected this summer

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I don’t recall him hurting another human being though or fixing etc it is a different situation, Stokes being violent is more of a red flag and he has been let off a number of times. Assuming hales did the worst possible, he has done his time being out the side for 2 years, improved his behaviour and scored runs to. It is up to Morgan but a weak move if he isn’t selected this summer

He will not be selected and that’s the right call.
Re: stokes the so called human beings were making homophobic slurs on some young guys and really looking for trouble that night so no sympathy for them.
Ball Tampering is very very different then match fixing. Smith and Warner are in Australian team it’s their decision I don’t think England setup will play Hales. His reputation precedes him.

 

[Mamoon]

Yeah but meanwhile they have shown Ben Stokes a higher degree of leniency for much bigger issues, getting high is not the same as using physical violence or even cheating like Smith, Warner or even spot fixing. He has been isolated for nearly 2 years; it fair to say he has done his time and deserves a conversation at the very least, he has scored runs world over and made positive changes in his life, the ECB have not called coaches to check up on his behaviour etc or communicated a way forward, Hales is a fantastic bat who should be in the team regardless but if not ECB should explain why.

This whole punishment stuff is a load of nonsense. It might have cost him a place in the World Cup squad but it is not the reason why he hasn’t been recalled.

If England needed Hales he would have been back by now regardless of the substance abuse. Similarly, if England didn’t need Stokes, they would have moved on from but they can’t because they cannot cope without him.

ECB won’t admit it but they just don’t like Hales as a person and they are happy to move on from him because they have other options.

 

[James]

But they are fine playing Stokes though so it’s hypocritical, Hales has been out for 2 years and he deserves another chance; in his time away he has reflected on his past and worked towards putting that behind him, ECB are treating him like he committed treason or something, no communication whatsoever or an explanation regarding whether he is in their plans, if not they should let him move on, his ambition though is still to play for England. With all due respect to Eoin, he needs to grow a pair and man up, your best mates are not always going to be the ones to win games but good cricketers do and on current form Hales is a no brainer over Jason Roy, there’s a world cup at stake so the time for action is now.

The details on what truly happened between Hales, Morgan, and the rest of the team are not entirely clear, but my attempted conclusion (purely from reading between the lines) is that it’s less about the relative severity of hard partying compared with getting into fights while drunk, but more so about a “perceived” sense of honesty.

Morgan has often spoken about ‘a total breakdown of trust between Alex and the rest of the squad’, which suggests to me that Hales formally apologised to Morgan and the team for the initial infraction (likely in a dressing room setting) and was given a second chance, on the condition that he promised there would be no further public embarrassments nor recreational drug taking. But then, he went back on his word. This also occurred whilst he was already on a live warning from the ECB for the nightclub incident.

Whereas Stokes — for all of his inarguable faults — never actually lied or broke his word about the bar fight. He faced up to the consequences of his actions and was cooperative with the police throughout, first at interview and then within a court of law. Ultimately, he was acquitted of any criminal wrongdoing by a jury of his peers. And there have been no more mistakes made since.

Stokes then truly seems to have learned from what happened and what he did, whereas the timeline of events renders it debatable as to whether Hales has learned his lesson.

So it seems to me that, for Eoin Morgan, it is a question of “integrity” first and “actions” second. Rightly or wrongly.

 

[introvert]

Deserves t20 worldcup selection.
His t20 record is always been stellar and he has always been much better t20 batsman than jason roy, who imo is far too inconsistent in t20 format.

Ideally bairstow ,hales and malan should form top order of england in upcoming t20 worldcup.

It's now or never for hales's selection decision imo because Likes of benton, salt, joe clarke, kohler cadmor , Livingstone are waiting for there chances & there is also case for joe root playing as an opener in t20s for england in t20 worldcup if he makes to the squad.

 

[shaz619]

This whole punishment stuff is a load of nonsense. It might have cost him a place in the World Cup squad but it is not the reason why he hasn’t been recalled.

If England needed Hales he would have been back by now regardless of the substance abuse. Similarly, if England didn’t need Stokes, they would have moved on from but they can’t because they cannot cope without him.

ECB won’t admit it but they just don’t like Hales as a person and they are happy to move on from him because they have other options.

He wasn’t punished formally but it is moronic to presume he wasn’t penalised for his actions, given how public it was, ECB isn’t like an asian board to broadcast every detail in the open but what we do know is that there was an apparent breakdown of trust between Hales and the Team/Morgan. England is a strong team with depth which allows them to compete without a player like Hales but majority of the public here in England feel the squad is strengthened further with him in it and keeps the options open also seeing how Roy has not been in the best of form

 

[shaz619]

The details on what truly happened between Hales, Morgan, and the rest of the team are not entirely clear, but my attempted conclusion (purely from reading between the lines) is that it’s less about the relative severity of hard partying compared with getting into fights while drunk, but more so about a “perceived” sense of honesty.

Morgan has often spoken about ‘a total breakdown of trust between Alex and the rest of the squad’, which suggests to me that Hales formally apologised to Morgan and the team for the initial infraction (likely in a dressing room setting) and was given a second chance, on the condition that he promised there would be no further public embarrassments nor recreational drug taking. But then, he went back on his word. This also occurred whilst he was already on a live warning from the ECB for the nightclub incident.

Whereas Stokes — for all of his inarguable faults — never actually lied or broke his word about the bar fight. He faced up to the consequences of his actions and was cooperative with the police throughout, first at interview and then within a court of law. Ultimately, he was acquitted of any criminal wrongdoing by a jury of his peers. And there have been no more mistakes made since.

Stokes then truly seems to have learned from what happened and what he did, whereas the timeline of events renders it debatable as to whether Hales has learned his lesson.

So it seems to me that, for Eoin Morgan, it is a question of “integrity” first and “actions” second. Rightly or wrongly.

I think Stokes definitely getting the royalty treatment here because he is obviously required more then Hales, with the repeat infractions I get the concern they had with Hales but it is harsh to assume he hasn’t learned his lessons especially 2 years on, there have been plenty of cricketers who go off on a tangent when they are isolated but he has worked hard ever since and reflected on his past, England top order would be boosted with more fire power if he is considered again so it makes no sense the need for the moral high ground at this point, a few years ago I get it; but I think a lot of folk need to man up a bit

 

[introvert]

Completely forgot about james vince, another quality player who is knocking the selectors door with some great recent performances in t20s.

 

[JattMaula]

Morgan doesn't want him and its understandable to some extent.

 

[Coolcapri]

On current form i think Hales and Vince both deserve a go in English T20 Team.

 

[Mesozoic]

There are many other England players who "deserve" a place in their T20 XI not just Hales. In fact , you can make a pretty strong English T20 reject/irregular batting lineup that can thrash any other bowling attack in the world. Let me try...

James Vince
Alex Hales
Joe Root
Sam Billings
Liam Livingstone
Joe Clarke
*all-rounder* (S Curran/Gregory)

And the there are the likes of Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Bell Drummond, Duckett, Lyth.....

The depth in English white ball Cricket is unparalleled...

 

[Coolcapri]

There are many other England players who "deserve" a place in their T20 XI not just Hales. In fact , you can make a pretty strong English T20 reject/irregular batting lineup that can thrash any other bowling attack in the world. Let me try...

James Vince
Alex Hales
Joe Root
Sam Billings
Liam Livingstone
Joe Clarke
*all-rounder* (S Curran/Gregory)

And the there are the likes of Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Bell Drummond, Duckett, Lyth.....

The depth in English white ball Cricket is unparalleled...

I just remember what an amazing turnaround of english white ball fortune, Still remember the early 2000 and how low they have gone then.

 

[mon858]

Can we give him pakistan citizenship? Or is there some reverse option to kolpak allowing English players to play for other countries like RSA, WI, IRL, etc?

 

[Firebat]

Hales once again off to a storming start. He is unstoppable in the powerplay, already 28 from 14

 

[Firebat]

 

[Last Monetarist]

Gone for 41 today, should have capitalized on a good start.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

In my opinion Hales is one of the best limited-overs players in the world. Yes he made some mistakes but make no mistake about it, this is a childish grudge from Morgan continuing at this point. Yes the England T20I XI is very competitive and tough to get into with Bairstow, Roy, Malan, Buttler all vying for top order slots but Hales still walks into that XI any day of the week.

He is a better T20 batsman than Roy who should not be an automatic pick after the kind of failures he has had in the past couple of years.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

There are many other England players who "deserve" a place in their T20 XI not just Hales. In fact , you can make a pretty strong English T20 reject/irregular batting lineup that can thrash any other bowling attack in the world. Let me try...

James Vince
Alex Hales
Joe Root
Sam Billings
Liam Livingstone
Joe Clarke
*all-rounder* (S Curran/Gregory)

And the there are the likes of Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Bell Drummond, Duckett, Lyth.....

The depth in English white ball Cricket is unparalleled...

All hugely talented players but Hales is a cut above all in T20.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Can we give him pakistan citizenship? Or is there some reverse option to kolpak allowing English players to play for other countries like RSA, WI, IRL, etc?

What makes you think Hales would want to divorce his country and play for Pakistan?...or any other side for that matter?

Not everyone is Usman Qadir or a South African who didn't get "chances".

 

[Audrey500]

Can we give him pakistan citizenship? Or is there some reverse option to kolpak allowing English players to play for other countries like RSA, WI, IRL, etc?

I’m in tears reading this. [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] please have a read.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ben Sanderson takes the big wicket of Hales <br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast22</a> live: <a href="https://t.co/mw8n6GGw28">https://t.co/mw8n6GGw28</a> <a href="https://t.co/34WpnBqynN">pic.twitter.com/34WpnBqynN</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1531340101036515330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[James]

91 off just 33 balls tonight from Alex for Notts.
12 fours and 5 sixes.

Has made the run chase academic.

The guy is a machine.

 

[Saj]

Brilliant knock today.

91 off just 33 balls against Derbyshire.

Surely he deserves another chance for England.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Doubt he will get a look in as long as Morgan is at the helm. Silverwood is gone though. Can their new coach convince Morgan to rethink. He can bat at no.3 as well something Bairstow certainly can't do.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ALEX HALES YOU MAGICIAN &#55357;&#56881;<br><br> runs <br> balls <br> boundaries <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast22</a> <a href="https://t.co/iaHpcityDj">pic.twitter.com/iaHpcityDj</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1532824493965582337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[James]

Time for bygones to be truly considered bygones.

Bring Hales back into the England setup.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803; "It's always still there."<br><br>Alex Hales says he still has international ambitions after an impressive 91 in the T20 Blast &#55356;&#57295; <a href="https://t.co/sVoUSgNLTk">pic.twitter.com/sVoUSgNLTk</a></p>— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1532988525288775681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[silentkiller187]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Clean striking, committed hitting" <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexHales1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexHales1</a> at his very best!<a href="https://twitter.com/TrentBridge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TrentBridge</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast22</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ClhWLK7Wx">pic.twitter.com/2ClhWLK7Wx</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1533730750293585921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Alex Hales batting... (was batting - out for a duck)

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Friday: 91 (33) <br>Sunday: 30 (9)<br>Today: 0 (1)<br><br>Alex Hales is a huge wicket! &#55357;&#56882; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast22</a> <a href="https://t.co/OcqeYQQYM6">pic.twitter.com/OcqeYQQYM6</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1533887695663116289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56390;<br><br>Something's always happening when <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexHales1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexHales1</a> is batting! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast22</a> LIVE STREAMS: <a href="https://t.co/mw8n6GGw28">https://t.co/mw8n6GGw28</a> <a href="https://t.co/eF41VcYHSA">pic.twitter.com/eF41VcYHSA</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1538518866917195776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[sweep_shot]

Hales was an aggressive batter. I think he should be in the team.

Hales and Roy opening pair can be lethal.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yet another half-century for <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexHales1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexHales1</a> &#55357;&#56399; <a href="https://twitter.com/TrentBridge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TrentBridge</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast22</a> <a href="https://t.co/rvr6cUk42f">pic.twitter.com/rvr6cUk42f</a></p>— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalityBlast/status/1539580824298864643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[James]

Another absolutely rapid innings from Alex Hales tonight for Notts in the T20 Blast.

55 off 23, almost exclusively in boundaries.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

He's one of the most destructive T20 batters in the world. Sad to see his international career being wasted like this. Just because Morgan doesn't like him.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today’s <a href="https://twitter.com/CazooUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CazooUK</a> Match Hero! &#55357;&#56391;<br><br>&#55357;&#56613; <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexHales1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexHales1</a> &#55357;&#56613;<br><br>&#55357;&#56960; 58 runs<br>&#55357;&#56960; 41 balls<br>&#55357;&#56960; 7 boundaries <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheHundred?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheHundred</a> <a href="https://t.co/OCJoDeI6z3">pic.twitter.com/OCJoDeI6z3</a></p>— The Hundred (@thehundred) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehundred/status/1555957675267072000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Chances of Alex Hales' recall to England's LOI setup after Morgan's retirement

Well Jason Roy is horribly out of form. And has been for some time now.
The backup according to English think tank is probably Phil Salt with Jonny Bairstow could also be used on his regular opening position where he is arguably suited better.

Similarly in ODI team, Phil Salt is the default back up for Bairstow and Roy.

Hales' has started The Hundred quite well recently. With Morgan's retirement and change in English management, will they look at Alex Hales again as wt20 comes nearer?

I would definitely want to see him in English colors again. His t20 form has been soaring of late. Averaging 30 at SR of 148 after 350 t20 matches is pretty good in my books.

 

[pratiktc]

England is a team which looks at future and not towards past. He will not make squad anymore

 

[James]

Think ship has sailed now.

 

[MenInG]

Hero of the Match, Alex Hales (59 off 29 balls) (Hundred)

Nasser Hussain discussed Hales' performance: "I try and pick people on their ability as a cricketer really. He did the crime, he served his time... forgive, move on.

"He gets in that long line of players now. There's no Morgan, Stokes in 50-over cricket has gone so there are a couple of opportunities. Obviously, at the top of the order but you do have Will Jacks, Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Will Smeed.

"But, you can't tell me from what we've seen from domestic franchises around the world... Alex Hales is a serious cricketer.

"Try and pick your best side, but they may know something else, that inner core of senior players may not want him."

 

[MenInG]

Alex Hales is set to be named in England’s T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow, who was ruled out of the tournament after fracturing his leg in a freak accident on a golf course last week.

Hales was exiled from the England team after being dropped on the eve of the 2019 World Cup, when it emerged that the Nottinghamshire opener had failed a recreational drugs test. He has not been selected since because of ongoing “trust issues” but, barring any last-minute interventions from the ECB or a change of heart by the selectors, he looks set to return to the national side for the first time since May 2019.

Final discussions will take place over the next couple of days, with Surrey’s Will Jacks the other name being debated for inclusion.

Since the retirement of Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, in June and the appointment of Rob Key as the director of cricket, there has been a softening of the approach towards Hales, and any previous issues between him and the players seem to have been smoothed out.

Key revealed that Hales was the subject of lengthy discussions among the selection panel last week as a potential replacement opener after Jason Roy was dropped because of poor form. The panel eventually decided that Bairstow was the best option to partner Jos Buttler at the top of the order, but hours after England’s World Cup squad was announced it was revealed that Bairstow would be out of action for at least three months because of a serious injury to his left leg caused by slipping when walking on to a tee box at a golf course near Harrogate on Friday morning.

 

[MenInG]

For the first time in three years, Alex Hales is likely to don England's jersey once again as he is reportedly in line to make a return. Hales was axed from England's 2019 World Cup squad just a month before the start of the event.

He was a vital cog in England's success en route to the ICC event and his last-minute axing, due to a failed drug test, led to him being away from the national team for three years. He continued to press his case for a recall but it was confirmed that he won't earn a recall under the previous captain.

A change in the leadership group has now opened the gates for Hales, who wasn't even named in the squad for Pakistan tour. As per The Guardian, Hales is set to make his return to England's T20 World Cup squad.

Hales hasn't played for England since March 2019. The opening batsman has turned himself into a T20 globetrotter while being away from international cricket and is seen in almost every top-flight league. He was slated to represent Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022 but pulled out citing bio-bubble fatigue. A recall to the national squad could limit his participation in foreign leagues.

Jos Buttler will be leading the one-time T20 World Cup champions in the tournament. He is down with a calf injury and is expected to feature in the latter part of the 7-match T20I series against Pakistan.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...r-a-recall-for-t20-wc-report-article-94042454

 

[MenInG]

Official now:

Nottinghamshire batter Alex Hales has been called up to England's ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for Yorkshire's Jonathan Bairstow after a left ankle injury sustained last week ended his chances of playing in the tournament.

 

[Minnowbasher]

official now:

Nottinghamshire batter alex hales has been called up to england's icc men's t20 world cup squad as a replacement for yorkshire's jonathan bairstow after a left ankle injury sustained last week ended his chances of playing in the tournament.

finally!

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Wise move

 

[shamaan]

Hales is an excellent replacement for Bairstow.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Happy for Hales and now he needs to show how good he is.

Rob Key is definitely a big big upgrade over Giles.

 

[James]

Think ship has sailed now.

Or rather not!

Good luck Alex.

 

[MenInG]

Alex Hales admits he thought his England career was over after three-and-a-half years in the international wilderness.

The Nottinghamshire batter has not represented his country since he was dumped on the eve of the 2019 World Cup following two failed recreational drug tests.

Hales had to watch from the sidelines as his team-mates won the tournament following a remarkable final against New Zealand at Lord's.

But the 33-year-old is back in the fold after he was called up to replace the injured Jonny Bairstow in Matthew Mott's squad for next month's tournament in Australia.

Jos Buttler says he hopes the England team can honour The Queen's passing while in Pakistan. He also hopes the T20Is can help to lift the spirits of Pakistan after the recent flooding.

"I did think the chance would not come again," said Hales in an article published by the Daily Telegraph. "As a cricketer it's your worst nightmare to be involved in a World Cup squad, missing out on the eve of it and then watching your team.

"Obviously, it's brilliant to see the team lifting it but at the same time it eats at you inside that you should have been part of it and you weren't."

England Test captain Ben Stokes was close with Hales, but that bond deteriorated in the aftermath of a late-night incident outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017, which led to the former being charged with, and ultimately acquitted of, affray.

Former England one-day captain Eoin Morgan also cited a "complete breakdown in trust" for Hales' prolonged absence.

However, Hales' form - along with Morgan's retirement - has seen him force his way back into the selectors' thoughts.

"I think I have changed," added Hales, who will feature in England's tour of Pakistan which starts on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports. "I've definitely matured. I'm comfortably into my 30s now and turning into a veteran.

"I feel as if I've grown as a person and where I am at the moment on the field and off the field is probably the best of my career so far. To get this chance again is something I'm really proud of.

"It was disappointing not to be in the team for three years. At the end of the day, it was my fault, wasn't it? I was the one who did what I did. I just have to hold my hands up.

"You have to look yourself in the mirror and try to improve as a person and learn from your mistakes."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...-unexpected-chance-and-insists-i-have-changed

 

[MenInG]

Sept 16 (Reuters) - England's limited-overs captain Jos Buttler said players had no issues with the inclusion of Alex Hales in the Twenty20 World Cup squad after the batsman received his first call-up since being dropped from the squad in 2019.

Hales, 33, was called up as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow, who was ruled out of the tournament in Australia after suffering a lower limb injury while playing golf.

In 2019, Hales was withdrawn from the preliminary squad for the 50-overs World Cup after the Guardian newspaper reported he was serving a three-week ban for recreational drug use.

"I spoke to lots of the senior players to make sure that no one would have any issues with Alex being back in the team if we wanted to select him. No one had any issues," Buttler told reporters on Thursday ahead of their T20 series in Pakistan.

"He's obviously been in excellent form. We know what a talented player he is and he's gained a lot of experience as well since the last time he played for England."

Hales, who is also with the team in Pakistan, has played in the T20 Big Bash League in Australia, registering an average of 33.16 from 60 innings.

"Looking ahead to the World Cup, his Big Bash record is fantastic. Australia is a place that he's done well, and so he seemed the obvious pick," Buttler added.

 

[MenInG]

Alex Hales resumed his England career this week accepting no one is to blame but himself for the three-and-a-half year chunk that has been taken out of it.

Hales, 33, was axed at the start of the 2019 summer after neglecting to disclose he had failed two recreational drugs tests, a decision that led to then captain Eoin Morgan claiming he had 'shown a complete disregard' for team values.

But Hales's exile ended earlier this month when he was chosen as replacement for the injured Jonny Bairstow for the seven-match Twenty20 series here against Pakistan and the World Cup in Australia next month.

Reflecting ahead of his first training session back in the England set-up and a return to international action at the National Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday, Hales said:

'At the end of the day, it was my fault, wasn't it? I was the one who did what I did. I have to hold my hands up. You have to look yourself in the mirror and try to improve as a person and learn from mistakes.'

Hales missed the 2019 World Cup but does not consider watching his team-mates edging out New Zealand in the thrilling Lord's final that July as the lowest point of his absence.

'It was extremely painful, for sure. As a cricketer it's your worst nightmare to be involved in a World Cup squad, missing out on the eve of it and then watching your team,' Hales said.

'Obviously, it was brilliant to see the team lifting it but at the same time it eats at you inside that you should have been part of it.

'The worst feeling was probably on the day (I was axed). I still remember the drive back home that morning from the camp we were in, in Wales.

'It was the longest drive of my life, thinking all sorts. You think your career has ended, that's going to be it, and that was a really tough day. From then, the only way was up.'

Ashley Giles, the managing director who revealed Hales's fate, is long gone but it was not until the departure of another key figure, Morgan, from the England hierarchy this summer that Hales summoned the courage to challenge his long-term omission.

Buoyed by his strong form — no one in the world can match his 1,271 Twenty20 runs in 2022 — he did so via a phone call to Giles's successor Rob Key.

'I had nothing to lose, did I? I wasn't in the squad, and I wanted to know where I stood. I wanted to know if there was a genuine chance of me playing or whether they were just saying it to the media,' Hales (right) revealed.

'Australia is a place I feel I can offer a lot both on the field and off the field and I felt like I deserved my spot in that squad if it was picked purely on cricketing merit. So I felt like I had the right to ask why I wasn't picked. To show that drive, to show the guys that I still wanted to be part of it.

'It looks like it's paid off and I'm really looking forward to what the next couple of months have to offer.'

Hales missed out on the original squads but received a welcome return call from Key last week, cutting short a planned month-long visit to his South African-based girlfriend Nina.

It came after captain Jos Buttler had canvassed the views of senior players, some of whom had been against his return in the past.

Recently, when Ben Stokes was asked about his relationship with Hales, he would not go beyond saying they shared a desire to win trophies with England.

Hales, meanwhile, remains forward-facing, concluding: 'I'm treating this as a blank canvas and only looking to the future now.'[/B]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/c...Hales-shunned-England-hes-make-lost-time.html

 

[MenInG]

 

[Saj]

Responsible innings from Alex Hales on his comeback. A fifty in his first international match since 10th March 2019.

Good knock that.

 

[Amjid Javed]

quality T20 player and good to see him back in side

 

[MenInG]

His run map tonight

 

[MenInG]

Hales has admitted he thought his chances of playing for England again may have gone during his three-year exile, but a loss of form for Jason Roy and a serious leg injury to Jonny Bairstow has presented the 33-year-old with another opportunity.

His knock combined power, touch and excellent placement as the right-hander latched onto any width, dropping deep in his crease to cut to the off-side boundary on numerous occasions.

He was dropped on 28 by Shan Masood after miscuing a slog-sweep, but made the most of his reprieve, and was frustrated when he chipped to cover the ball after reaching his fifty, with England just needing 17 to win.

"It's a very special feeling to get back out on the park for England - three years felt like forever but to get a fifty on my return in a winning team is the stuff dreams are made of," said Hales.

"There are always nerves and pressure after having not played for England for three years, it felt like a debut again, so a very special night.

"I've spent a lot of time in Pakistan over the last few years and it means a lot to me so to be part of the first England tour here in such a long time is an incredibly special feeling."

BBC

 

[James]

What a story.

Great comeback for Hales.

Played well today. Not his usual biffing. Just a steady, solid knock to carry the run chase.

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Alex Hales felt like he was making his England debut again when he returned from a 3 1/2-year exile and anchored them to victory over Pakistan in the first Twenty20 of the series.

Hales returned to England colors on Tuesday for the first time since his second failed test for recreational drugs forced him to miss the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

He hit 53 runs off 40 balls as England chased down the target of 159 with four balls to spare.

“There were always nerves and pressure coming back after three years. Three years felt like forever,” Hales said. “It felt like a debut again. It feels like a dream come true to come back and contribute with a half-century in a winning team.”

Hales came into England’s planning for the T20 World Cup in Australia next month after Jonny Bairstow was freakishly injured while playing golf and ruled out of the mega event.

Hales struggled to get going in the first six overs of the batting powerplay, but blossomed after getting dropped twice in his 20s as he reached his half-century off 39 balls with a flick against fast bowler Haris Rauf to the fine leg boundary.

Hales and Harry Brook dominated the Pakistan fast bowlers at the back end of the run chase with some fluent boundaries.

“The deeper you take it, the more fluent the innings becomes,” he said. “I got a couple of boundaries away towards the end and killed the game with Harry.”

During his exile from international cricket, Hales featured prominently in domestic T20 leagues around the world that included stints in the Pakistan Super League.

The stadium on Tuesday was nearly packed to its capacity of 34,000 to witness England’s first match in Pakistan in 17 years.

“I’ve been lucky to have played in front of full houses here before and it’s just outstanding,” Hales said. “It’s one of the best places to play cricket in the world and the fans really put on a show.”

The second T20 is on Thursday at the same ground.

https://apnews.com/article/sports-pakistan-cricket-karachi-a747b70e9e563f82cabcafb6657bf3d7

 

[MenInG]

Highest opening partnership for England in men's T20Is:

143* - Alex Hales & Michael Lumb v NZ, 2013
132 - Alex Hales & Jos Buttler v AUS, today
128* - Alex Hales & Craig Kieswetter v WI, 2011
111 - Alex Hales & Michael Lumb v AUS, 2013

 

[MenInG]

Alex Hales denies "clear the air" talks were needed with Ben Stokes on his return to the England set-up - but says the pair have had a meeting as part of their World Cup build-up.

They were part of a brawl outside a nightclub in 2017 that led to Stokes being charged then acquitted of affray.

Stokes, 31, hinted in a recent documentary that their relationship had broken down since the Bristol incident.

"We've sat down and had a chat," Hales, 33, said. "It's been as good as gold."

Hales said white-ball captain Jos Buttler was also present at the meeting but that the focus was the upcoming tournament in Australia.

"We've had a really good chat and things have been fine," said the opening batter. "There's been no air clearing at all, we just sat down with Jos and said our goal is to win the World Cup. It's been really good - really smooth."

Hales is back in the international fold following a three-year exile after he tested positive for a recreational drug on the eve of the 2019 World Cup.

Eoin Morgan, England's white-ball captain at the time, criticised Hales for showing "complete disregard for our values" and left him out of the country's white-ball plans.

Hales was not selected again until Morgan's retirement and Jonny Bairstow's injury while playing golf left England short at the top of the order.

He smashed 84 from 51 balls - sharing a partnership of 132 with Buttler - in Sunday's victory over Australia in the first T20 in Perth.

Hales is now favourite, ahead of Phil Salt, to partner the captain in the opening positions in England's World Cup opener against Afghanistan on 22 October.

"It was a weird one," he added. "I hadn't got nervous for a long time. I don't know what it was. I put it down to jet lag or maybe the fact that it's heading into a huge six weeks for me.

"It's something I didn't see happening a few months ago, especially with the firepower at the top of the order and to get this chance, I'm just really keen to make the most of it and enjoy myself.

"It's just a shame I haven't been around the last three years because I feel I've been playing the best cricket of my life. I've got some lost time to make up for."

BBC

 

[James]

Superb matchwinning knock on Sunday.

I had my doubts, but what a recall this has been.

 

[shaz619]

Superb matchwinning knock on Sunday.

I had my doubts, but what a recall this has been.

His a lot more mature now but you wonder what England could have got out of him having missed his prime years but he is still world class especially in T20’s given his diverse experiences.

It’s absurd to think England could afford to leave a player of his calibre out and still do well at the top of the order without him but the stars have aligned perfectly, Rob Key and injuries…

 

[James]

His a lot more mature now but you wonder what England could have got out of him having missed his prime years but he is still world class especially in T20’s given his diverse experiences.

It’s absurd to think England could afford to leave a player of his calibre out and still do well at the top of the order without him but the stars have aligned perfectly, Rob Key and injuries…

Eoin Morgan had too much power in the setup and could effectively blackball anyone he wanted.

Now he’s gone, a classy experienced opener who served his punishment has rightfully returned.