Alex Hales confident of returning England squad for T20 World Cup next year

After getting dropped from the ICC World Cup squad, England opener, Alex Hales eyes a comeback to the national squad for the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to begin in October next year through some good performances in T20 leagues across the globe. Earlier, Alex Hales was named in the provisional squad announced by the England Cricket Board (ECB) a few weeks back, but was dropped after he failed a recreational drug test.

"That's one of my aims - that T20 World Cup," said Hales on Tuesday (May 22). "I'm going to go through the process and hopefully score some runs in these tournaments and see how we go - just enjoy my cricket."

Hales was dropped from the World Cup squad after he failed a recreational drug test. However, the England opener remains firmly behind his team for the World Cup. "I'm still a fan and wish all the boys the best," he said on Tuesday (May 22). "What we've done over the last few years has been unbelievable so the guys deserve to win it and I'll be sat there watching and cheering.

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"There's obviously a process to go through. I think once I start playing again the next 12 months are going to be really busy so I'm going to enjoy a mixture of some downtime and then start getting prepared for the Blast.

"I keep myself fit. I've got my gym programme, I'm still contracted to the ECB, so I've got my gym programmes and nutrition stuff. There's training available - I live two minutes from Trent Bridge if I ever need to practise. I quite enjoy the responsibility of having my own choice of when I want to train or go to the gym." Hales adds

Hales was picked up by Barbados Tridents for the 2019 CPL auction. Speaking post the draft, Hales said: "It's good responsibility and good for learning as an overseas player - there's probably a bit more pressure on you to perform. That's something I enjoy. I've played a lot of cricket for England now. That side of the game, the pressure, is something I really enjoy and have learned to adapt and get used to,

"I just want to get back playing what I love most and that's cricket so this is such a good opportunity to go and play at a ground where I've got some fond memories - the Kensington Oval - and go and play in such a big tournament in some different conditions. I'm really looking forward to getting back out there."

HIGHLIGHTS

• Alex Hales eyes T20 World Cup for England return. 
• England will play South Africa in World Cup opener. 
• James Vince has been named his replacement in World Cup squad.