T20 World Cup 2022: Alex Hales ‘looking forward’ to England opportunity
T20 World Cup 2022: During his three-year absence from England’s team, batsman Alex Hales said he had grown as a person. He also stated he was “truly looking forward” to helping his nation during their Twenty20 World Cup campaign in Australia.
Hales, 33, was chosen to replace Jonny Bairstow in the T20 World Cup team this month.
Hales was dropped from the first 50-over World Cup squad in 2019 when the Guardian newspaper revealed he was serving a three-week suspension for recreational drug use.
“I think I have changed. I’ve definitely matured. I’m comfortably into my 30s now and turning into a veteran,” Hales told reporters ahead of England’s T20 series in Pakistan.
“At the end of the day, it was my fault, wasn’t it? … You have to look yourself in the mirror and try to improve as a person and learn from your mistakes.”
England’s first practice session at National Stadium, Karachi 🏟️#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/gvU8J7NWZx
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 16, 2022
Hales, who participated in the Australian T20 Big Bash League, expressed his desire to use his past performance during the T20 World Cup.
“I did think that the chance would not come again. It was disappointing not to be in the team for three years,” Hales added.
“I felt like I’d been playing the best cricket of my career over those three years as well. So to get this chance again is something I’m really proud of. And something I’m really looking forward to. Especially the World Cup in Australia, somewhere I’ve got a lot of experience.
“I feel like I can help push this team forward.”
England begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on October 22 in Perth.