- Batsman Alex Hales said he has matured during his three-year absence.
- From England’s squad, adding that he is “really looking forward.”
- Aiding his country in their Twenty20 World Cup campaign in Australia.
Alex Hales the opening run machine, was called up to the T20 World Cup squad this month replacing Jonny Bairstow.
Hales was dropped from the first 50-over World Cup roster 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.”
Hales, who participated in the Australian T20 Big Bash League, expressed his desire to exploit 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.”
On October 22 in Perth, England will play their opening T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan.
