Picture Credit: Skysports
One of the most trending topics in England cricket in the last couple of years has been the possible return of Alex Hales in the national side. However, despite the impressive performances by the 32-year-old in T20 cricket across the globe, he has somehow not been able to get a call back to England's limited-overs setup. The whole issue began in 2019 when Hales was handed a 21-day ban for a positive recreational drug test. He has been out of the selectors' radar since then with skipper Eoin Morgan citing 'trust issues' with the cricketer.
End of hopes for Hales' comeback?
Former England selector Ed Smith had given a ray of hope for the comeback of Hales after he had suggested that the explosive batsman would be invited to white-ball training. However, there have been no developments on that yet with the current team management reportedly not in favour of the same. As per reports, a source close to England's team management claimed, "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 cricketer has notably played 11 Tests, 70 ODIs and 60 T20Is for England colours in which he has amassed an aggregate total of 4636 runs. Hales was also a vital member of the national side since the restructuring that took place in England's limited-overs setup post-2015 World Cup.
Alex's situation is very unique: Morgan
England skipper Eoin Morgan had also squandered the hopes of Alex Hales' comeback earlier this year. The 34-year-old had claimed that they were not looking for any further options in the top three with players like Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan etc. doing so well for them. He had said, "He’s not in the squad and the squad is very difficult to get back into. Alex’s situation is obviously very unique. The player that he is has never been in doubt. Obviously, time is a great healer."
Considering the fact that Hales is being ignored despite his impressive performances, it hints that the doors for him in the national side are permanently closed. With how things have gone in the past two years, it seems like Hales' international career with England has come to an end.