Hales has a stormer ALEX IN FINAL BLITZ
STUART BROAD proved he is fighting fit for first Test duty but it was hurricane Alex Hales who blew everyone away in record-breaking style at Lord’s yesterday.
Broad gave England the crucial green light he is ready to take on the South Africans this week while Hales produced one of the great one-day knocks as Notts savoured more silverware success.
After Broad bowled his nine overs (0-51) without any further heel trouble in the Royal London Cup Final, the stage was set up for Hales to be a human wrecking machine. And he blazed his way to a stunning unbeaten 187 from 167 balls with 20 fours and four sixes.
Born just a short drive from the ground, he was man of the match by a country mile as Notts overcame Surrey by four wickets with 13 balls remaining.
Hales, who has clearly shrugged off his Champions Trophy blues with England, never looked back after being dropped on nine by teenager Olly Pope.
He first broke Geoffrey Boycott’s 52-year-old domestic oneday final record of 146.
Then he continued his onslaught to set the highest individual score in a one-day game at Lord’s – surging past David Boon’s 166 for Australia against the MCC in 1989.
Notts made light work of chasing down their 298 victory target with Hales reaching his century from 83 balls, melting Surrey’s attack in the late afternoon sun.
He was supported by veteran wicketkeeper and captain Chris Read who struck a half century before falling late on for 58.
The former England stumper is retiring at the end of the season and it was fitting that he should play a key role.
Hales leapt in the air as he and Australia fast bowler GARY FITZGERALD James Pattinson scampered for the winning single and then walked off to a standing ovation.
Surrey were left kicking themselves for not setting Notts a much larger target to chase, despite opener Mark Stoneman’s superb 144 not out.
The Geordie, 30, certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side after helping his side reach 297-9 off their 50 overs.
But the Oval men stumbled and slowed after they had cruised to 141-2.
Stoneman stood defiant while the likes of Jason Roy (23) and Kumar Sangakkara (30) failed to build on starts despite Notts’ sloppy fielding and dropped catches.
Samit Patel was the star Notts bowler with 3-51 and Steven Mullaney weighed in with a couple of wickets.