Learnt plenty from the Bristol incident
HYDERABAD: He is yet to play a game in the Indian Premier League and if not for the ugly ball-tampering saga that unfolded in South Africa, Alex Hales might have had to wait another season. However, unlike other ‘debutants’, the pressure is huge on the Englishman as he has been roped in to replace David Warner, who topped the batting charts twice in the past three years.
In a candid chat with Hindustan Times on Sunday, Hales spoke on a number of issues, including his role at Sunrisers and what it means to replace Davis Warner in the side. Excerpts:
How does it feel like to be a part of IPL despite not being selected by any franchisee first up?
It’s still amazing to be a part of it. It’s going to be my first full season in the IPL. I was here as a replacement for Aaron Finch a few years ago but never got to play. So, to be here from the start is pretty exciting. Obviously, the circumstances under which I’m here are unfortunate and I’ve got big boots to fill. I’m looking forward to the challenge.
Filling in David Warner’s shoes, how big is the responsibility?
Yes, it’s a big one but the biggest thing is that I enjoy it. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. That pressure’s going to be there from external sources. So the important thing is to enjoy it and train hard. The biggest thing for me is not to ‘over-think’.
You were snubbed in the auctions. How difficult was it to stay motivated?
I don’t think it’s difficult to stay motivated. I still had a couple of fixtures for England, the Pakistan Super League… So I kept myself busy, played a lot of cricket. When I got back home, it’s amazing how quickly things can change in cricket. You’re always replacing players… The important thing for me was to stay fit and keep practising when I got back to England.
Do you feel your decision to move away from red ball cricket has affected your chances?
I’m not sure. If you look around, the people who weren’t picked up are incredible players. Martin Guptill is one of them, Hashim Amla again… Every year there are names where people go like ‘Wow! How is this guy not picked’… Joe Root. I’ll try and do well and hopefully not be in that situation again.
Your role in SRH?
I guess when and if I get an opportunity I’ll just score as many runs as possible. That’s the role of an opening batter. To assess conditions, figure out what a good score is as quickly as possible and communicate that to the team.
Lessons from your stint with MI?
The pressure is immense in front of packed houses. Something that we don’t get back home.
How tough is it to regain composure after offfield incidents like in Bristol?
It can be tough. I’ve learnt a lot from that Bristol incident… Put it behind me. Stokesy still, ongoing… But in terms of cricket I’ve learnt that the eye is always on you as a professional sportsman. Whether you’re in a bar or a restaurant, there’re always people who know who you are so it’s important you conduct yourself professionally both when you’re on field and off it.