ICC World Cup 2023: England coach expresses willingness to have Hales in World Cup squad

Alex Hales (Photo Source: Twitter)

England’s white-ball coach Matthew Mott has stated that the management is absolutely willing to have Alex Hales in England’s ODI squad for the upcoming World Cup in India.

Earlier, Alex Hales had declined the offer to join the England ODI squad, as he had to fulfill contract demands for his Twenty20 franchises in the ILT20 and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Although the doors were opened for him to come back to the ODI squad, Hales hasn’t yet given a final confirmation regarding his availability.

Mott confirmed that Hales’s stunning form in last year’s T20 World Cup acted as a catalyst for the team management to consider him for the ODI squad as well.

“We certainly spoke to him about it, particularly when he had such a good T20 World Cup, and that door is still open,” the 49-year-old said as quoted by the Mirror.

He didn’t shy away from acknowledging Hales’ contribution to England’s ‘phoenix rise’ in T20s and said that he was one of the biggest factors that effected England’s successful T20 World Cup campaign in Australia in 2022.

No grudges against any player: Mott

The former cricketer was of the opinion that the England management, by no means, would hold any grudge against Alex Hales or any other player if they choose to play in commercial leagues over representing the national team. All the players have full right to give their time to their preferred league/tournament, and the management would fully respect every player’s decision in regards to that.

“When we sit down to pick that squad for the World Cup, we won’t hold a grudge against anyone who’s not taken this opportunity. It’s an invitation to play and we totally understand if there are other factors at play. Anyone who’s playing white-ball cricket well, is in form at the right time, and is someone we think can be good in subcontinental conditions will be in the mix.”

For the unversed, Hales was dropped from the England squad on the eve of the 2019 World Cup, after failing a recreational drug test for the second time. Following that, the ICC slapped a 21-day ban on him, thus rendering him ineligible to participate in the World Cup.

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