Alex Hales has been dropped from England’s upcoming World Cup squads for his 21-day ban for using recreational drugs. The decision was taken by ECB’s managing director of England men’s cricket Ashley Giles, and the England selectors, headed by Ed Smith, according to the ECB statement. Even, Hales has not selected for their one-off ODI on Friday in Malahide and he has been axed from the T20I squad as well. However, England will soon name a replacement for their ODI series against Pakistan.
“Consideration was given to creating the right environment within the team and ensuring that there are no unnecessary distractions and that the team is in the best position to succeed going into this crucial period,” quoted as saying in the statement.
“We have thought long and hard about this decision,” Giles said. “We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch,” further added.
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“I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer,” Giles said.
Alex Hales had failed a drugs test last week. He failed in the recreational drug in recent weeks. As a result, the 30-year-old cricketer is currently serving a 21-day ban after the second positive test. However, drug violation has been detected after Hales underwent a routine hair-follicle test. All the professional men’s cricketers and centrally contracted women’s players undergo this test before the start and finish of every season.
This is not the first time, he has been punished. He was banned for six months- four of which are still suspended and he was fined by the ECB due to the incident outside Mbargo nightclub in September 2017. That incident led to Ben Stokes’ arrest as well.
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Since Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy have been doing a wonderful job in the opening, Hales has lost his place as well as he has not been the first-choice player in England’s white-ball squad now. However, he smashed 147 off 92 balls which was crucial in England’s world-record total of 481 for 6 against Australia at Trent Bridge. Along with him, England wouldn’t get the service of Sam Billings who has been ruled out of the season due to a dislocated shoulder.
However, they have time to finalise their World Cup until May 23. The upcoming series against Ireland and Pakistan would be crucial to select a replacement.
