ENG Vs IND, 2018: Side Strain Rules Alex Hales Out of First ODI

Of late, England have suffered a huge blow ahead of the first One-Day International of the five-match series against India. The hosts will be missing the services of their star batsman Alex Hales for the crucial clash on Thursday (June 12) following a side strain.

Meanwhile, England recalled Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan as cover for Hales, for the impending game at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

.@AlexHales1 has injured his side, with @dmalan29 called up as cover for today's match.#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/3Va3C4HN9N

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2018

Missing Hales would be a big blow for the Three Lions who will be looking to bounce back after losing the Twenty20 International series 2-1.

Furthermore, when England last played in Nottingham, the venue for the upcoming game, Hales had blown away Australian bowlers. He had slammed 147 off just 92 balls – to help England post a world-record 481 for six.

It was the second time Hales had racked up a major score in record ODI innings for England at his home ground.

Way back in 2016, Hales had scored 171 off 122 balls when England posted 444 for three against Pakistan. Now, England will have to find an apt replacement for the man who just loves to perform at his home ground.

Hales also looked in a good touch during the T20Is against India. After struggling in the first game, he helped England level the series with a hard-fought 58 in the following game.

With 12 needed off the last over, Alex Hales had hit a six off the first ball bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He followed it up with a boundary. In the final T20I too, he scored a crucial 30.

Hales’ replacement Malan, on the other hand, is yet to make his ODI debut. He, however, has an impressive record in T20Is.

Malan had scored 78 off 44 balls on his T20I debut against South Africa. So far, he has scored four fifties in 5 T20Is.