England’s Alex Hales steps away from cricket due to ‘personal reasons’

England star Alex Hales steps away from cricket due to ‘personal reasons’ just before World Cup training camp

  • England’s Alex Hales has taken a step away from cricket for ‘personal reasons’
  • The batsman did not play for Nottinghamshire against Lancashire on Thursday 
  • England begin their training camp ahead of this summer’s World Cup next week
  • Hales is expected to play some part in England’s World Cup squad on home soil 

England star Alex Hales has decided to take a step away from cricket due to ‘personal reasons’ just a week before England begin their training camp ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The batsman decided not to play in Nottinghamshire’s match against Lancashire at Trent Bridge on Friday.

In a statement his county said: ‘Alex Hales has made himself unavailable for selection for personal reasons and no timetable has been set for his return to action.’ 

England star Alex Hales has decided to take a step away from cricket due to ‘personal reasons’ 

The 30-year-old opener was a key member of England’s one-day international team until the ban and fine he received for his involvement in the incident which ultimately saw all-rounder Ben Stokes acquitted of affray cost him his place.

He remains part of the set-up ahead of this summer’s World Cup though as England head into the tournament as one of the favourites to win the trophy.

According to The Sun, the reason behind Hales’ absence is only known by ‘a few high-ranking officials’ at Nottinghamshire.

His team-mates were also unsure as to the reason behind his absence from the squad and England officials are also looking for answers.

England start a three-day training camp in Cardiff next Saturday and Hales is reportedly confident of being able to attend.

A source close to him told The Sun: ‘He’ll be fine for the camp in Wales.’

Hales admitted earlier this month that he may never be a world-class Test cricketer — but is determined to prove he can reach the pinnacle of the white-ball game. 

The Nottinghamshire opener Alex Hales, 30, has not provided a reason why he has taken leave

Hales (R) is expected to play some sort of role in England’s World Cup campaign this summer

He told The Guardian: ‘I think there are only a handful of players who can be truly world-class at all three formats and having played all three, I’m not one of them. But I think I can be in white-ball.’

Hales’ rehabilitation after he accepted two cricket disciplinary commission charges of bringing the game into disrepute has proved chastening, and he has had to learn his lesson the hard way, with Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow having formed a lethal opening partnership in his absence.

He said: ‘I won’t lie, there have been days when it has gnawed away at me. The fines and everything were a dent, but the biggest thing was losing my spot.

‘The day I found out I wasn’t playing (in the final two ODIs against West Indies) I knew Jason would come in and score big runs. He’s too good a player. And Jonny was in the best form of his life. I saw it coming and it unfolded in slow motion.

‘The last year-and-a-half, there have been ups and a hell of a lot of downs. All I will be focusing on is cricket.

‘It’s the biggest year in English cricket history. I will be doing everything I can to be the best I can. It’s been so special being in this England team and when you lose your spot, you realise it.’

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