World Cup 2019: England withdraw Alex Hales from 15-man squad

English batsman Alex Hales will not feature in the upcoming World Cup after being dropped from the preliminary squad. The opener recently failed a drug test for the second time in his career, which led to a 21-day ban. He has also been dropped from the upcoming one-off ODI against Ireland and axed from the squad for the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan.

The call was made by the England selectors and ECB Managing Director Ashley Giles.

The reason given by the ECB for Hales’ withdrawal has been to avoid any distractions for the English team heading into the World Cup. England are among the heavy favourites to win the tournament.

Ashley Giles, in a statement, said on the decision:

“We have thought long and hard about this decision. We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch. I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer.”

The ECB confirmed in a statement that a replacement for Hales would be named soon in due course for the Pakistan series and the World Cup.

This will undoubtedly come as a jolt to the English team, with Hales being a big part of their plans. There is no questioning Hales’ abilities at the top of the order or at No.3, the position where he was supposed to bat for England.