Alex Hales has expressed optimistic thoughts with regards to his surprising snub in the auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The devastating right-hander, in a recent interview, stated that he has now trained his mind on a Test recall, after not being picked by any of the franchises in the IPL auction.
“Obviously if I’d been picked up in the IPL auction, I’d have gone. But when one door shuts another opens, and this is my chance to push a case for a Test recall.”
No featuring in the IPL means Hales now has an opportunity to play for his county side Nottinghamshire in the upcoming County Championship and make a strong case for his Test comeback.
The aggressive right-hander has been one of those players who, despite being one of the biggest limited-overs batsmen in the world, has failed to perform with the same intensity at the Test level.
England, in the recent years, has struggled to find suitable partner for Alastair Cook and Hales was at one point regarded as a possible option. However, failure to make the best use of the chances saw him get dropped, making way for younger names like Haseeb Hameed and Keaton Jennings.
The 28-year-old batsman’s Test record is quite underwhelming to his standards. In 11 matches, he has managed to score only 573 runs at an average of 27.28.
In order to revive his Test career, Nottinghamshire head coach, Peter Moores has suggested Hales returns to the middle order. Even as, he has played much of his first-class career as an opener, the middle order slot would be something new for him.
“I’ve had a taste of international cricket at the top of the order, and it didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. It did nearly work. But when I was out there I felt like I was fighting my natural way of playing – and I don’t think you can afford to do that at the top level. You have to go out there and play how you want to play.”
“The early stage of my career has almost been going against what I’ve wanted to do. Now is the perfect chance – I’m 28 now, not getting any younger – to give it a proper crack where I think I’m best suited to bat.”
“I feel this is a new leaf, a new challenge, and I’m a lot more comfortable. I think batting in the middle is more suited to my attacking style. It will allow me to play my natural game. Mooresy was very keen for it; we both agreed.”
Even as Nottinghamshire will be playing in Division Two this year, Hales hopes that selectors will take note of his performances.