Hales has compiled seven international centuries, driven in two world-record ODI totals and surpassed 10,000 runs in his T20 career, but he also had to battle his demons; the 33-year-old learned from his mistakes, matured and is now ready to get his second chance at the World Cup
England’s Alex Hales is back and just in time for the T20 World Cup
He may have struggled to stay out of trouble amid scandal and “trust issues”, but the three-year exile is finally over for England’s cue-ball dynamo Alex Hales.
Hales has convinced the England hierarchy that being called up to the T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow’s injury is worth the risk.
He may not have played for England since 2019 amid off-the-field issues, but his form, combined with Jason Roy’s troubles and Bairstow’s leg being broken while slipping on a golf course, has given him the chance to an unlikely return.
Hales tested positive for recreational drugs in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup, an incident that then-white-ball captain Eoin Morgan said resulted in “a total collapse of confidence” leading to his banishment from the team. .
The Nottinghamshire batsman had previously been suspended for his part in an altercation outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017, in which his England team-mate Ben Stokes was charged but later acquitted of a fight. And then, in November of last year, he apologized for “all the offense” he had caused after a photo showing him in black makeup was published in 2009.
The explosive T20 starter, who helped propel England to No. 1 in the world rankings and set two world-record one-day international totals, is back, but where has he been during his three-year exile?
Hales had been in fine form throughout the English summer of 2019, helping Notts to the Vitality Blast semi-final. And just a month after being eliminated by England, he was a first-round pick in the Caribbean Premier League draft for the Barbados Tridents, the team that finished bottom of the league stage the previous season.
Hales impressed in his first season, helping Jason Holder’s Tridents win the title.
In September 2019, the hard-hitting England star became the Durban Heat’s new international star player after signing Mzansi ahead of the Super League season.
“Playing T20 cricket in South Africa is something I’ve always wanted to do, so when I was offered the role here it was a no-brainer for me,” he said.
Once again Hales impressed, but not enough to help Durban reach the play-offs.
Having enjoyed spells with the Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes, Hales signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League in Australia.
Sydney Thunder head coach Shane Bond said: “He’s one of the most destructive hitters, he’s an outstanding fielder and obviously he’s a very experienced player as well.”
Hales became the second-highest run scorer in the 2019 BBL at 576 at 38.40 and a shooting rate of close to 150. He also formed a brilliant opening partnership with Usman Khawaja.
In May 2020, Hales said that he had “matured” as a player and a person and hoped to return to England’s international plans.
Talking with him daily mailHales said: “I just hope the damage that’s been done isn’t terminal and he gets another bite out of the cherry.
“I certainly feel like I’ve matured. 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 I hope people can forgive and forget.”
“I feel like I’m in a good mental space and I hope I get the chance to show that in the group setting again. Obviously I’d love to get my place back, playing international cricket is the highlight of any player’s career.”
“Like Morgs (Eoin Morgan) has said, I guess time is the greatest healer. I just don’t know how long it’s going to last. It can be hard to rebuild that trust when you’re not around.” weave circles.
In April 2020, Karachi Kings batsman Hales prompted the PCB to postpone the semi-finals and final of the Pakistan Super League.
Hales had sent a text message to the Kings owner at 2 a.m. admitting that he was showing symptoms of covid-19.
The final was finally played in November with Hales in the Kings side who defeated the Lahore Qalandars.
In July 2020, Hales was included in the Barbados Tridents squad for the Caribbean Premier League, where he failed to guide them to the play-offs.
