Alex Hales calls Rob Key after England T20I World Cup squad snub

Alex Hales (PC: Twitter)

Managing Director of England men’s cricket team Rob Key on Friday (September 2nd) revealed that Alex Hales called him for an explanation, following the selection for the T20I World Cup. Hales, who has been in terrific form this summer, was disappointed with his name not being there on the flight to Australia. 

Key reveals phone call with Alex Hales

Following the selection for the T20I World Cup, Key revealed the chat he had with Alex Hales. Hales was not named in the 15-member World Cup squad despite Jason Roy being left out due to his poor form in the recent past. 

“I spoke to Alex Hales," - Key told Sky Sports. 

"He ranged me and argued why he wasn't there in the team and I think that's quite right too.

“I much prefer when these kind of people , who pick up the phone and say, 'come on then, why wasn’t I there?. I have a huge respect for them. It is much better than the people who go behind the scenes moaning about why they've not been picked."

Alex Hales has been in red-hot form in T20s in 2022

Alex Hales scored 251 runs for Trent Rockets in The Hundred 2022

Hales, who has scored 1263 runs in 2022 at an average of 35.1 and a strike rate of 162.3, was hopeful of a return to England colours but was rather left disappointed and wanted an explanation from the selectors. Despite being an absolute run machine, Hales has been overlooked once again by Key and his men.

 Explaining the decision to leave out Alex Hales, Key said:

"He was mentioned when we spoke about who the best opening partner for Jos was. His name was mentioned a lot but we felt Jonny Bairstow was the man to do that in the World Cup.

"I've said on a number of occasions that I feel Alex Hales has served his time for his misdemeanours. Now it's on form, selection and whether we feel they are the best person to go out there. At the moment we feel Jonny Bairstow is that person."

Hales hasn't played for England since 2019. He has 1644 runs at an average 31 in 60 matches for England in T20 Internationals.  

MUST READ: England squad for T20 World Cup.