Hales wants T20 return for England
ALEx HALES refuses to accept that his England career is over and is targeting next year’s World Twenty20 in Australia for his return.
On the day he was chosen first by Barbados Tridents in the draft for this year’s Caribbean Premier League, Hales broke his silence on his dramatic sacking from the England team on the eve of the World Cup.
Hales was dumped at the behest of one-day captain Eoin Morgan and senior players when it emerged the ‘personal problems’ that saw him miss the start of the season for Nottinghamshire was a two-week suspension for failing a second drugs test. But he made it clear yesterday he will use franchise leagues such as in the Caribbean in September to work his way back with England in time for the next short-form World Cup in autumn 2020.
‘That’s one of my aims, that T20 World Cup, and I’m going to go through the process, try to score some runs in these tournaments, enjoy my cricket and see where we go,’ said Hales after being bought by Barbados for $150,000 (£118,000) at the draft in London. ‘Ashley Giles said the door wasn’t closed to me and I hope that’s right. These tournaments are well respected now all around the world, particularly by the selectors and ECB, so I’d love to use them to get myself back in the frame for next year.’
Hales refused to talk about the emergence of the second failed test for recreational drugs that proved the final straw for England after a history of disciplinary issues, but was grateful for the support of his county at the most difficult time of his career.
‘Notts have been brilliant and I’m blessed to play for them,’ he said. ‘Pete Moores is a wonderful coach, respected all around the world, and if ever I need a net he will chuck balls all day because he loves it. He keeps in regular touch and I’m lucky to have him.’
Hales said he will not be going to the grounds to watch the England team he would have been part of during the World Cup — but his thoughts will be with them from afar.
‘I’ll still be following the World Cup,’ said Hales. ‘I’m still a fan and I wish the boys all the best. What we’ve done over the last few years has been unbelievable and the guys deserve to win it. I’ll be watching it on TV.
‘I’ve still got a few things to do with the ECB. I’m still contracted to them. There’s a process I have to go through (believed to be a drug rehabilitation course) and then I’ll start training.
‘Once I start playing again, the next 12 months will be really busy. I just want to get back to doing what I love most and that’s playing cricket.’