Star England batsman Alex Hales has tested positive for using a recreational drug and has been suspended for 21 days for the abuse. It will be a big setback for England ahead of the World as many of their top players have already sustained injuries which have put their World Cup chances in jeopardy. Alex Hales is part of the 15 member preliminary England World Cup squad.
Meanwhile, Hales hasn’t played any domestic cricket this season for Nottinghamshire after making himself unavailable for his country a week ago. As per reports in the Guardian, it is learnt that Alex Hales is serving a three weeks band. The suspension has been issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board. It has been the 2nd time that Alex Hales has failed the drug test for the 2nd time.
An ECB spokesperson said that they have to keep the matter confidential hence it wasn’t possible for them to pass on any further pieces of information. Meanwhile coming to the existing rules in England cricket, all the male cricketers have to get their hair follicles tested at the start and the end of each season. As per the rules, the name of the player is not made public in case he fails the test once.
It is dealt with internally. However, if it is repeated twice then a player automatically gets suspended for three weeks. The player is informed about his whereabouts from then along with a fine of five per cent of their annual salary. Meanwhile, if Alex Hales fails the test again then could get his England contract get terminated.
As per the three-week ban, Hales is likely to be free to play for England for the ODI series against Ireland from 3rd May. The recent acts might put Hales’ World Cup chances in doubts. However, he is still in line to play for England in the World Cup.