Resurgent star Hales enjoying himself

ALEX Hales has poured cold water on his England return as a story of redemption – insisting that he is just happy to be back in the set-up after sending them into the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan.

A positive test for recreational drugs test on the eve of the 2019 50-over World Cup campaign was one misdemeanour too many for Hales, and he spent the next three-and-a-half years in the international wilderness.

But Jason Roy’s alarming dip in form and Jonny Bairstow’s freak golfing injury offered Hales a lifeline and the opening batter has grasped the unexpected opportunity with both hands.

In England’s two must-win group games against New Zealand and

Sri Lanka, Hales played important roles, but truly justified his recall in Thursday’s ten-wicket semi-final thrashing of India at Adelaide.

Hales nevertheless rejected the suggestion he was unleashing any pent-up frustration on India.

“No, I don’t think so,” Hales, pictured, said. “That’s not what’s on my mind. I’m just playing with a smile on my face in an England shirt again.

“To get the chance to play for England again in a time where I feel like I’m playing the best T20 cricket of my career is a great feeling and maybe a chance I didn’t think would come again.

“I’m keen to make the most of it. I just want to enjoy myself and play at the highest level.”

As for whether reaching the final makes up for missing out since 2019, he said: “We’ll see if we win it, I guess. But it’s a very special feeling. I’ve got to enjoy it.”

The final in Melbourne starts at 8am UK time tomorrow.