T20 World Cup 2022 England Squad: Alex Hales Makes England Comeback, Added To Squad As Jonny Bairstow's Replacement

The crucial Jonny Bairstow, who is sidelined due to a freak injury, will be replaced at the T20 World Cup by Alex Hales, who will make his long-awaited England comeback. 

Hales, who is now 33, has not competed for England since 2019. He was disqualified on the eve of their historic victory in the one-day Cricket World Cup when he failed a second test for recreational drugs. However, Bairstow will not be competing in the forthcoming T20 World Cup due to a lower leg injury sustained in a bizarre golfing mishap. 

Alex Hales Called Up To England Squad

In preparation for a T20 series in Pakistan later this month and the World Cup in Australia in October, Hales was called up to the England squad on Wednesday. 

Hales was expelled from the England team in 2019 after failing a second test for recreational substances. The squad’s ideals had been “completely disregarded,” according to the team’s then-captain Eoin Morgan, and this had led to “a lack of trust between Alex and the team.” 

However, Hales’ comeback is now possible because of Morgan’s retirement from international cricket and Bairstow’s injury. 

After England lost Jason Roy due to a severe deterioration in form, a position opened up for someone else to partner skipper Jos Buttler at the top of the order, and everything looked to be in place for Hales’ comeback. 

Alex Hales’ Name Was Discussed Earlier As Well: Rob Key

Rob Key, the managing director of England’s men’s cricket team, said that Hales had previously presented his case for the inclusion of the T20 World Cup. Key said: “Alex Hales was mentioned when we spoke about who the best opening partner for Jos was.  

Hales won the 2014 T20 World Cup after storming Sri Lanka with an undefeated 116. Hales recently assisted Trent Rockets in winning the Hundred competition for this season. 

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