Alex Hales is back for the England team as an opener, just in time for T20 World Cup 2022
Alex Hales has amassed seven international centuries, propelled two world record ODI totals and surpassed 10,000 career runs in T20, but he’s also had to fight his demons; the 33-year-old has learned from mistakes, matured and is now ready for a second chance at the World Cup. ICC T20 World Cup 2022 fans can buy England Vs New Zealand Tickets from our website.
He may have tried to stay out of trouble amid scandals and “trust problems”. But three years of exile are finally over for England dynamo Alex Hales.
Hales has convinced the England hierarchy that he is a worthy risk as Jonny Bairstow’s injury replacement has been included in the T20 World Cup roster.
He may not have played for England since 2019 due to problems off the pitch. But his form, combined with Jason Roy’s struggles and Bairstow’s broken leg when he slipped on the golf course, gives him the chance to make a comeback to make.
On the eve of the 2019 World Cup, Hales tested positive for recreational drugs, an incident that then-white captain Eoin Morgan said resulted in a “complete breach of trust” that led to his removal from the team.
The Nottinghamshire batsman was previously suspended for his involvement in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017. When England team-mate Ben Stokes was charged with an altercation but was later acquitted.
In November last year, he apologized for “all the offences” he had caused after a photo of him in blackface was made public in 2009.
The explosive T20 opener that helped England top the world rankings and set two world records in a one-day international total is back, but where did he go in three years of exile?
Wonderful the ball is about for Barbados Tridents
Hales was in great shape during the 2019 England Summer Split and helped the Notts reach the semi-finals of the Vitality Blast. Just a month after being knocked out by England. He was selected by the Barbados Tridents in the first round of the Caribbean Premier League. A team that finished last in the league last season.
Hales was impressive in his first season, helping Jason Holder’s Trident to the title.
Time for the Big Bash
Hales has spent time with the Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Strikers and the Hobart Hurricanes. He has signed a one-year Australian Big Bash League deal with the Sydney Thunder.
“He is one of the most disruptive hitters, a great fielder and clearly an accomplished player,” said Sydney Thunder head coach Shane Bond.
Hales became the second highest scorer in the 2019 BBL with 576 points out of 38.40 and a pass rate close to 150. He also had an excellent opening partner with Usman Khawaja. T20 World Cup 2022 fans can buy England Vs Australia Tickets from our website.
Heading to Durban
In September 2019, the stalwart England star became the new international big name of the Durban Heat. After a pre-season Mzansi Premier League signing.
“Playing T20 cricket in South Africa is something I’ve always wanted to do and it was clear to me when I got the part here,” he said.
Hales impressed again, but not enough to help Durban to the playoffs.
A more mature player and person
In May 2020, Hales said he had “matured” as a player and as a person and wanted to return to England’s international plans.
Hales told the Daily Mail: “I just hope the damage that has been done is not final and that I can take another bite of the cherry.”
“I definitely feel like I’ve grown up. As a player and away from the game, I’ve moved on and grown from the mistakes I’ve made in my private life and hopefully, people will forgive and forget.”
“I think I have good headroom and hopefully I get the chance to show that again in a group environment. Of course, I would love to get my place back and playing international cricket is the pinnacle of any player’s career.”
“As Eoin Morgan said, I think time is the greatest healer. I just don’t know how long it’s going to take. It can be hard to rebuild that trust when you’re not there – weave the circle.”
Back on the road and in quarantine at the hotel
In April 2020, Karachi Kings batsman Hales asked PCB to postpone the Pakistan Super League semi-final and final.
Hales texted the owner of the Kings at 2 am to confirm he had Covid-19 symptoms.
The final finally came in November, with Hales beating Lahore Qalandars in the Kings.
In July 2020, Hales was selected for the Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League but failed to lead them to the playoffs.
Before the Big Bash in Australia that winter. Hales was quarantined in a hotel for 14 days after leaving the UK.
“Yeah, it’s tough — punishment is one way to describe it. It’s been a fun couple of weeks without seeing any daylight or fresh air,” he said.
“It’s a whole new experience, but it’s definitely worth getting the chance to participate in the Big Bash now. There’s also more freedom here than when you come home.”
“Of course, it’s very difficult to be away from home at any time. Personally, I’ve recovered, I’ve only played cricket for a month and a half and I haven’t had a bubble in the UK. T20 World Cup 2022 fans can buy ICC T20 World Cup Tickets from our website.
“I’ll be fresher than someone who’s been in a bubble life since June or July, so I can definitely see where they’re coming from. It puts a huge strain on your physical and mental health and those bubbles.”
“Personally I am fresh and looking forward to the coming months.”
Hales’ imposing frame became the leading scorer and helped the Thunder to fifth.
Most performed in T20 in 2022
1271 – Alex Hales, 1237 – Shan Masood, 1195 – Jos Butler, 1193 – Will Jacks, 1171 – Tim David
Timely reminder
At the 2021 T20 Blast, Hales timely reminded selectors of his abilities during his batting masterclass in Nottinghamshire, hitting 482 overs in 178 overs.
However, the England selectors again ignored Hales for the ODI and T20 Pakistan series following the bio-bubble coronavirus outbreak.
Michael Vaughan took to Twitter to express his dismay at Hales’ recent punch.
Vaughan tweeted: “So without Alex Hales, this must be the end of his international career and then he will be very sad that someone who has made a big mistake and has been punished can no longer be admitted.”
“We make mistakes every week!!! Those who say they’re not lying,” Vaughan added.
Hales spent the winter in Australia – where he contracted Covid-19 with the Thunder – in the Pakistani Super League for the BBL and Islamabad United.
Covid-19 and bubble fatigue
He briefly retired from PSL before returning, but ultimately chose to take a break from the franchise scene, admitting that the limitations of the biosecurity environment had affected his mental health. T20 World Cup fans can buy T20 World Cup Tickets from our website.
“It’s really frustrating that I’ve had to turn down one of the best opportunities of my career because of the bubble life that has been affecting my mental health for the past two years. I need some time now to rest and recharge for the summer”, Hales said.
Hales then retired from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ 2022 IPL due to bubble fatigue. But in April he was bought by the Trent Rockets for The Hundred.
‘Forgive and move on
In the Rockets’ win at the Invincible Oval, he hit a whopping 59 out of 29 balls, including four sixes and six fours. Sky Sports Nasser Hussein said: “I really tried to pick people based on their ability as a cricketer. He sinned, he took his time. forgive, move on.
“However, you can’t tell me from what we’ve seen from domestic franchises around the world. Alex Hales is a serious cricketer.”
“Try to take the best side of you, but they may know something else and the core of senior players may not want him.”
The Rockets won the title after beating the Manchester Originals in the low-scoring final.
‘To believe’
Last month, Morgan, who has retired from international cricket, admitted Hales’ quality was never in question. But said it was more a question of whether teams and selectors could “trust” him.
“Rob Key says he can be called up, which means he’s going to mingle with guys like Will Jacks, Phil Salt and Will Smeed,” Morgan said.
“But there is no doubt that he is extremely disruptive and a game-winner.”
England T20 World Cup 2022 squad
Jos Buttler (Lancashire, captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire) Chris Jordan (Surrey), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), David Willey (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).
Travelling Reserves: Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Tymal Mills (Sussex).
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