The England team has welcomed back Alex Hales just in time for the T20 World Cup

Posted by Xchange Tickets on September 21st, 2022

Hales, 33, has battled his demons, grown up, and is now prepared to take his second shot at the World Cup after scoring seven international centuries, contributing to two ODI totals that broke records, and passing 10,000 career runs in T20.

The three-year exile for England's white-ball powerhouse, Alex Hales, is finally ended, even though he may have had problems staying out of trouble due to scandal and "trust issues."

Hales was selected for the T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow due to injury, and he has persuaded England's management that he is a risk worth taking.

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Due to off-field difficulties, he may not have represented England since 2019, but with his current form, Jason Roy's struggles, and Bairstow's leg injury from slipping on a golf course, he has a chance to make an improbable comeback.

Before the 2019 World Cup, Hales tested positive for recreational drugs; at the time, white-ball captain Eoin Morgan claimed that this led to "a complete breakdown in trust" and Hales' expulsion from the team.

The Nottinghamshire batter had already been placed on administrative leave for his involvement in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017, during which Ben Stokes, a teammate from England, was initially charged with affray but ultimately found not guilty. He later apologized for "all the offense" he had caused after a photo of him wearing black face makeup in 2009 was revealed in November of last year.

The explosive T20 opener, who helped England to No. 1 in the world rankings and established two one-day international totals records, is back, but where has he been for the past three years?

Smashing the ball about for Barbados Tridents

Hales helped Notts reach the Vitality Blast semifinal in decent form throughout the 2019 English summer. A month after being released by England, he was selected by the Barbados Tridents, the team that placed last in the league stage of the previous season, in the first round of the Caribbean Premier League draught.

Hales impressed in his first season, helping Jason Holder's Tridents to the title.

Heading to Durban

After joining the Durban Heat before the Mzansi Super League season, the hard-hitting England star became the team's new international marquee player in September 2019.

"I have always wanted to play T20 cricket in South Africa, so when I was offered the chance here it was a no-brainer for me," he said.

Hales once more made an impression, but not enough to help Durban advance.

Time for the Big Bash

Hales signed a one-year contract with Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League in Australia after having successful stints with the Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Strikers, and Hobart Hurricanes previously. To know more about England Vs Australia Tickets click here.

He's one of the most devastating batters, an amazing defender, and obviously a highly experienced player, according to Sydney Thunder head coach Shane Bond.

Hales went on to score 576 runs at a strike rate of just under 150 and finished the 2019 BBL as the second-highest run-scorer. Together with Usman Khawaja, he also created a fantastic starting combination.

A more mature player and person

In May 2020, Hales said he had "matured" as a player and person and hoped to get back into England's international plans.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Hales said: "I just hope the damage that's been done isn't terminal and I get another bite of the cherry.

"I certainly feel I have 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 hopefully, people can forgive and forget.

"I feel I'm in good head space and hopefully I'll get the chance to show that in the group environment again. I'd love to get my place back; playing international cricket is the highlight of any player's career.

"As Morgs (Eoin Morgan) has said, I guess time is the biggest healer. I just don't know how long that is going to go on. It can be tough to rebuild that trust when you are not in the close-knit circles."

Back on the road & hotel quarantine

The Pakistan Super League semifinals and championship game were postponed in April 2020 as a result of a request from Karachi King's batsman Hales.

At two in the morning, Hales admitted to Kings' owner that he was exhibiting signs of Covid-19.

Hales was a part of the Kings team that defeated Lahore Qalandars in the final, which was ultimately played in November.

Hales was selected for the Barbados Tridents' Caribbean Premier League team in July 2020, but he was unable to help them reach the playoffs.

Hales was compelled to spend 14 days in a hotel after departing the UK to prepare for the Big Bash in Australia that winter.

"Yeah it was tough - punishing is one way to describe it. it was an interesting couple of weeks not seeing daylight or getting fresh air," he said.

"It was a new experience but it was worth it now to get the chance to play in the Big Bash. There's a bit more freedom here than you get back home as well.

"It's tough to leave home at any time. I have refreshed and only played a month and a half of cricket and it wasn't in bubbles in the UK.

"I'd be a lot fresher than some of those guys that have been in bubble life since June or July, so I can see where they are coming from. It's such a huge strain on your mental and physical health to be in those bubbles.

" I am fresh and looking forward to the next couple of months."

The imposing figure of Hales ended up as the top scorer, helping Thunder finish fifth.

Timely reminder

With a blazing 482 runs at a strike rate of 178 for Nottinghamshire during the 2021 T20 Blast, Hales served as a timely reminder of his skills to selectors.

Despite this, England selectors ignored Hales once more before the ODI and T20 Pakistan series due to a coronavirus outbreak in the bio-bubble.

Michael Vaughan took to Twitter to vent his frustration at Hales' latest snub.

"So No Alex Hales that must be the end of his international career then find it very sad that someone who made a huge mistake but was punished can't be given another go," Vaughan wrote on Twitter.

"We all mistakes every week!!! Those that say they don't are lying" added Vaughan.

Covid-19 & bubble fatigue

Hales spent the winter in Australia, where he signed a deal with Covid-19, playing for Thunder in the BBL and Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.

He briefly left the PSL before rejoining, but he ultimately decided to step away from the franchise scene because of the bio-secure environment constraints, which, he freely admits, hurt his mental health.

"I am truly gutted to have to turn down one of the best opportunities of my career due to the toil that the last two years of bubble life have taken on my mental well-being. I'll now take some time to rest and recharge ahead of the summer," said Hales.

Due to bubble fatigue, Hales withdrew from the 2022 IPL with the Kolkata Knight Riders, but in April he was acquired by the Trent Rockets for The Hundred.

'Forgive, move on

After he struck a stunning 59 off 29 balls including four sixes and six fours during the Rocket's victory over Oval Invincibles, Sky Sports' Nasser Hussain said: "I try and pick people on their ability as a cricketer. He did the crime, he served his time... forgive, move on.

"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."

England ICC T20 World Cup squad

Jos Buttler (Lancashire, captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire) Chris Jordan (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Traveling Reserves: Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Tymal Mills (Sussex).

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