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Alex Hales
This World Cup is very important for Alex Hales who has experienced roller coaster rides in his professional career. This is because he had missed the previous two World Cups due to off-field activities.
“It was a big moment for me, the innings that contributed to the team’s victory in the World Cup semi-final. I was comfortable with the way I played. Adelaide is one of the best batting grounds in the world.
The boundaries in both directions are narrow, making hitting fun. I have many fond memories of playing at this stadium.
I don’t think I can play in the World Cup again. I am satisfied to get the chance to play in this World Cup and to be able to play a big innings in an important match like the semi-final.
“It’s a pleasure to play in Australia,” said Hales.
These are the sentiments of Alex Hales who was named man of the match in the semi-final against India.
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Hales is known for his aggressive performance. Alex’s father also played cricket.
Many bowlers enjoyed Hales’ batting influence in local matches.
Hales first made headlines in 2005 when he scored 55 in an over. Hales hit 8 sixes and a four in that over. It includes three no-balls. Hales’ consistent performances while playing for Nottinghamshire caught the attention of England’s selection committee.
Hales scored 86 runs including 6 sixes in two overs in a domestic Twenty20 match in England in 2015. In 2017, Hales scored 95 off 30 balls. Hales made his Twenty20 debut for England in 2011. Hales scored an unbeaten 62 in the second match.
Hales missed the century by one run in the fifth match against the West Indies.
Hales scored an unbeaten 116 off 64 balls with 11 fours and 6 sixes against Sri Lanka at Chattogram. Hales made his ODI debut for England this year. Hales was not up to par that year. But in 2015, Hales scored a century of 109 runs against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
Hales, who was initially considered to be only suitable for the T20 format, has shown his batting prowess to the opposition in ODIs as well.
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Although his professional skills have not impressed much, Hales has the ability to change the scene of a match in a few overs.
So he was included in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
But he could not become an integral part of both the teams. The 2019 World Cup was organized in England. There was natural interest in who would make the England squad.
Alex Hales was given the chance to start when the team was announced. But in just 2 days, Hales announced that domestic cricket would not be able to play a single match. The Nottinghamshire side have not made it clear when Hales will return.
Within days it was clear that Hales was guilty of drug testing.
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The England Cricket Board’s code of conduct has been tightened due to such illegal activities by World Cup players.
Hales was banned for 21 days. The England Cricket Board dropped Hales from the World Cup squad. There were also reports of links between England captain Eoin Morgan and Hales.
Morgan said Hales had lost the team’s confidence. Losing a dynamic opener like Hales forced England to change strategy. Hales was replaced by Jason Roy. The cycle of misfortune continued for Hales and his name was not considered for the 2021 T20 World Cup. England toured Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup. The selectors shocked fans by including Hales in the squad for the tour.
Hales’ name was considered due to Jonny Bairstow’s injury. After Morgan’s retirement, the England captaincy was handed over to Jos Buttler. Moeen Ali captained the side as Buttler was injured.
Under a new captain, a new coach and a new mentality, Hales was also given a chance in the final eleven on the tour of Pakistan. Returning to the team after three years, Hales justified the team’s hopes by scoring a fifty in the first match.
Hales scored 130 runs in 6 matches of this series. But it is unlikely that he will be selected for the World Cup in this game.
Immediate opportunity
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After England’s squad for this year’s World Cup was announced, wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow pulled out of the series due to an injury on the golf course.
Alternate opener Jason Roy was dropped from the team after not performing satisfactorily.
The selection committee finally added Hales’ name. A fortuitous chance came upon Hales and seized the opportunity. Hales was unable to play big innings against Afghanistan and Ireland but the England selectors believed in Hales.
Hales justified this belief with his 52 against New Zealand. He missed his half-century against Sri Lanka by three runs.
Against India, Hales scored an unbeaten 86 off 47 balls with 4 fours and 7 sixes. A hell of a headache for Pakistan even in Sunday’s final.
Playing in Big Bash is rewarding
Hales has continued to play in T20 leagues around the world despite falling out of England’s Test plans due to a drug test.
The Big Bash tournament in IPL mode is being held in Australia.
Hales has played for four teams – Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder.
Hales had a lot of experience playing in Australia as he regularly played in the Big Bash. Hales took full advantage of it.
Hales’ deep understanding of the shape and environment of the pitches in Australia was felt in his game.
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During the Hell’s Big Bash tournament
Reaction by action to Morgan
It was clear that former England captain Eoin Morgan did not trust Hales.
A few days ago Nivethika, Hales and Morgan were talking after the competition.
Morgan was standing next to Hales. Hales then answered the question, saying that he had not seen Morgan once.
The video went viral on social media. Hales responded to Morgan openly, not shying away from open criticism.
Hales responded strongly to Morgan and critics alike by scoring a crucial 86 in the World Cup semi-final.
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