Alex Hales’ hopes of representing England at the World Cup 2019 to be held in the United Kingdom have ended after the right-hander was withdrawn from all England squads ahead of the international season. The decision was taken by England Cricket Board (ECB) managing director of and the England National Cricket Selectors. Alex Hales is serving a suspension for an ‘off-field’ incident reported to involve recreational drug use.
In a media statement the ECB said that the decision was taken “having considered what is in the best interests of the England team”.
“Consideration was given to creating the right environment within the team and ensuring that there are no unnecessary distractions and that the team is in the best position to succeed going into this crucial period,” read the ECB statement.
The 30-year-old, who is reportedly serving a 21-day ban from cricket for the drug incident, will not be travelling to Ireland for the one-off ODI on Friday in Malahide and has also been removed from England’s squad for Twenty20 International (T20I) as well as the ODI series against Pakistan.
