England’s Alex Hales grateful for T20 World Cup call up: Thought chance would not come again

A freak injury to Jonny Bairstow has led to former world no. 1 T20I, batter Alex Hales getting back into the national fold after a three-year long hiatus. The right hander talks about his time and learnings away from the side.

A freak injury to Jonny Bairstow has led to England opener Alex Hales, making his way to the national side after a three-year absence. Hales' call-up to the squad brought an end to the much publicised drama between him and the team, where the player was not allowed to enter in the Eoin Morgan-led team over a complete breach of trust.

Hales was snubbed from the 2019 World Cup squad after he failed tests of recreational drugs, and eventually was ice out of the side in all-formats. However, on the back of strong performances across the world, especially in the Big Bash League, Hales has been given a shot, after a softening of position from the ECB.

Speaking about his experiences, Hales admitted that he at a point believed that chance would not be given to him in the national team.

"I did think the chance would not come again," said Hales in an article published by the Daily Telegraph. "As a cricketer it's your worst nightmare to be involved in a World Cup squad, missing out on the eve of it and then watching your team,"

"Obviously, it's brilliant to see the team lifting it but at the same time it eats at you inside that you should have been part of it and you weren't," he said.

"I think I have changed," Hales wrote in his column.