Reports: Alex Hales has ‘no chance’ of making a comeback in England team

There have been a lot of talks regarding Alex Hales’ return to the England set-up over the past few months. However, the latest development isn’t cheerful for the England dasher and his fans. Hales, one of the most destructive openers going around, was banned ahead of the 2019 World Cup after testing positive for recreational drug use. Since then, he hasn’t been in the reckoning of national selection.

It seemed like Hales’ exile would come to an end earlier this year when Ed Smith, the then England selector, suggested he would be invited back this summer to white-ball training. However, it seems like the England team management is not on the same page with Smith. On many occasions, England white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan has cited ‘trust issues’ on being asked about Hales’ absence.

While Smith ignited a glimmer of hope of Hales’ comeback, Morgan’s views have suggested that the team management isn’t keen to get the dasher in the scheme of things. Subsequently, Hales hasn’t been in England’s squad for the Sri Lanka tour and he’s unlikely to feature in the T20 World Cup 2021 as well.

Alex Hales unlikely to make a national comeback

Backing the claim, an ‘insider’ told Dailymail.co.uk that Hales is not anywhere near the radar.

“I think that was more on Ed Smith’s agenda than the coach or captain. I’d be shocked if I saw Hales anywhere near the set-up,” the insider said.

Meanwhile, Hales, 32, has played 11 Tests, 70 ODIs and 60 T20Is in England colours, scoring 573, 2419, and 1644 runs respectively. He also played a vital role in making the Brits a formidable force after the 2015 World Cup debacle. However, the developments indicate that the right-handed batsman has played his last game for England.

Being out of the national team, Hales has constantly been showcasing his prowess in T20 competitions worldwide. In fact, he was the highest run-scorer of Big Bash League 2020-21, with 543 runs in 15 games. Hence, it would be interesting to see if these stellar performances can earn him a national comeback or not. Meanwhile, England will play three ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka, starting from June 23.