Record-breaking Hales smashes Notts to One-Day Cup glory

LONDON: Alex Hales smashed the record for the highest score in an English county final with a sensational unbeaten 187 to lead Nottinghamshire to a four-wicket win over Surrey and lift the OneDay Cup at Lord’s.

Surrey had given themselves a chance after winning the toss and choosing to bat, posting 297 for nine in their 50 overs, inspired by an unbeaten 144 for opener Mark Stoneman.

But Stoneman was outshone by Hales as he faced 167 balls and smashed 20 fours and four sixes on the way to breaking Geoffrey Boycott’s 1965 county final record of 146.

That allowed Nottinghamshire to reach their target with four wickets and just over two overs to spare.

Combining technical precision with brazen power-hitting, Hales secured his century in just 83 balls with Nottinghamshire 134 for four.

He was then ably assisted by captain Chris Read, who scored 58 batting at seven to help Notts over the line in what was probably his last outing at Lord’s as he prepares to retire.

“It was absolutely phenomenal. What we witnessed today was very, very special,” said Read of Hales’ performance.

Neither Hales nor Stoneman were included in the England squad announced on Saturday for the upcoming first Test against South Africa, but each sent a timely message to Joe Root and the selectors.