Alex Hales's World Cup dream is over after he was axed from the England team over his three week suspension for recreational drugs.
True to his reputation as a disciplinarian, Ashley Giles, the managing director of England's men's cricket made the decision to remove Hales from the setup in order to send out a strong message about the environment he is trying to create.
And with the World Cup on the horizon, Hales' ever expanding rapsheet meant that his part in Eoin Morgan's side is over for the foreseeable future.
In a statement the ECB said: Alex Hales has been withdrawn from all England squads ahead of the international season.
The decision has been taken by the ECB Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket and the England National Cricket Selectors, having considered what is in the best interests of the England team.
England cricket set to return to C4 with World Cup highlights deal
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.
The Nottinghamshire batsman will not travel to Ireland for a one-off ODI on Friday in Malahide and has also been removed from England’s squad for the Vitality IT20, the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan and the preliminary ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad.
Commenting on the decision, Ashley Giles, ECB Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “We have thought long and hard about this decision. We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch.
“I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer.”
England will name a replacement for the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan, in due course.
