Hales is facing Ashes tour snub

ALEX HALES looks set to miss out on selection for this winter’s Ashes series when the squad is revealed next week.

Hales has had a fine season for Notts having moved into the middle order after being dropped last summer following 11 Tests as an opener.

It was thought Hales (right), who had no chance to prove himself yesterday after the second one-dayer at Trent Bridge was abandoned due to rain, would be a contender for a spare slot when the squad is announced on Wednesday. But fears over his ability to cope with the short ball on fast Australian pitches means he is almost certain to be overlooked. The

Standard understands England will stick with Dawid Malan. Tom Westley is likely to retain his place but faces competition from either Gary Ballance or Keaton Jennings for the No3 position.

Though Toby Roland-Jones pulled up with a side injury during Middlesex’s victory against Lancashire at Lord’s, the setback is unlikely to rule the paceman out of the tour.

An eight-wicket haul from Steven Finn on the final day inspired their 36-run win on thee final day, although Middlesex must win their final Championship match against fellow strugglers Somerset at Taunton next week to guarantee their Division One status.

England face West Indies in their third ODI in Bristol on Sunday, followed by matches at The Oval on Wednesday andd Southampton on Friday.