Alex Hales will finally make his England return after 3 years as the batter has been included in the T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow, who has been ruled out after suffering an injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the addition of the opening batter on Wednesday.
Notably, 33-year-old Hales last played for England in 2019. He was banned after failing a second recreational drugs test. Hales has been called up for England ahead of a T20 series in Pakistan later this month and October's World Cup in Australia.
"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," said ECB in its statement.
Earlier, there was a lot of talk about Hales not featuring in England's T20 World Cup squad. The batter himself was not too happy about the decision as he called Rob Key, England's Managing Director, to argue about his exclusion. Key had then told to the media that Hales' name was discussed but Bairstow was preferred.
However, now as Bairstow stands ruled out, Hales will finally make a return to the England side. Notably, the batter has been in really good form for the last few months. Hales has been piling up runs across T20 leagues. He also finished in the top five highest run getters at the Hundred 2022.
England's T20 World Cup Squad: Jos Buttler (C), 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
Travelling Reserves: Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Tymal Mills
