England T20 squad: Alex Hales, who spent three years away from international cricket, is in position to be called up to the England T20 squad as Jonny Bairstow’s injury replacement.
Hales has not represented England since 2019 due to off-field troubles, but given his current form, Jason Roy’s lack thereof, and Bairstow’s bizarre golf injury, he could make a comeback.
The 33-year-old tested positive for recreational drugs in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup, which then-white-ball captain Eoin Morgan said resulted in “a complete breakdown in trust”.
However, Hales is now available for selection, according to England Men’s Managing Director Rob Key.
Morgan has never questioned Hales’ competence; it has always been a matter of trust.
“There’s one thing about Alex, his quality has never been a question,” said Morgan.
“It’s whether the team would like him in the side, or captains can trust him, or the coach, or the selectors.
“Rob Key said he is available for selection, so that means he goes into a pool of players with the likes of Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Will Smeed, that sort of calibre of player.
“But there’s no doubt he’s extremely destructive and a match-winner.”
Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain said Hales would now get in his England team.
“I try and pick people on their ability as a cricketer really,” said Nasser. “He did the crime, he served his time, forgive, move on.
“He gets in that long line that Eoin mentioned. It’s a bit easier for him now because there is no Morgan, there is no (Ben) Stokes in 50-over cricket. There are a couple of opportunities.
“But obviously at the top of the order you do have Will Jacks, you do have Jason Roy, you do have Phil Salt, you do have Will Smeed.
“But you cannot tell me from what we’ve seen in domestic franchises around the world that Alex Hales is not a serious cricketer.
“Try and pick your best side. But they may know something else. That inner core of senior players may not want him.”
Bairstow’s substitute for the World Cup in case of injury will be revealed by England on Wednesday. Will Jacks is also a contender, but Hales is thought to be the front-runner.
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