After not playing for the team since March 2019, Alex Hales rejoins the England squad.
In place of Jonathan Bairstow, who was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a left ankle injury received last week, Alex Hales makes his long-awaited comeback to international cricket. The team that will tour Pakistan for a seven-match T20I series before the T20 World Cup now includes the dynamic opener.
Rob Key, the managing director of England’s men’s cricket team, stated that Hales’ name was considered for the World Cup but that Bairstow was ultimately chosen to partner with Jos Buttler at the top.
When discussing who would make the greatest opening partner for Jos, Alex Hales was brought up, according to Key.
“Although Jonny Bairstow’s name was frequently touted, we believed he was the World Cup’s best candidate for the job. I’ve indicated numerous times that I believe Alex Hales has completed the necessary term in prison for his crimes. Now it depends on appearance, preference, and whether we think they are the ideal candidate to represent us.”
Hales’ comeback to international play is now possible because to Bairstow’s injury and England’s dismissal of Jason Roy because of his subpar play.
Squad for T20 World Cup:
Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Squad for Pakistan T20Is:
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Alex Hales. Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Luke Wood, Mark Wood.
Hales has participated in a number of T20 leagues throughout the world while absent from the international team. The 33-year-old has particularly excelled in Australia’s Big Bash League, scoring 1857 runs in 60 games at an average of 33.16 and a strike rate of 151.34. Hales’ knowledge with Australian playing conditions may offer England’s batting a competitive advantage at the T20 World Cup.
