Alex Hales reveals his traumatic experience following 2019 World Cup snub

Alex Hales in action [PC: Twitter]

In what could be a dramatic sequence of events, veteran opener Alex Hales received his much-awaited recall into England's T20 World Cup squad following Jonny Bairstow's ouster due to an unfortunate injury. 

Hales, who last played an international match way back in 2019, is now gearing up to make his comeback count in the seven-match T20I series against Pakistan starting on September 20.

Ahead of the series, the swashbuckling right-handed batter has expressed his mental trauma after being sidelined from the 2019 World Cup and subsequently from England's white-ball plans following his off-field misconduct.

"As a cricketer, it's your worst nightmare to be involved in a World Cup squad, missing out on the eve of it and then watching your team,"

"Obviously, it's brilliant to see the team lifting it but at the same time it eats at you inside that you should have been part of it and you weren't."

Further, Hales revealed he had given up on his England comeback, simultaneously admitting to being proud of himself for regaining his spot. 

The 33-year-old also held himself accountable for his debacle and insisted that he has evolved into a matured human being over the years.

"I did think the chance would not come again. To get this chance again is something I'm really proud of."

"At the end of the day, it was my fault, wasn't it? I was the one who did what I did. I think I have changed. I feel as if I've grown as a person and where I am at the moment on the field and off the field is probably the best of my career so far."

Hales has earned his recall through a string of extraordinary performances in various T20 leagues across the globe. The Middlesex-born has a point to prove and will aim to silence his critics when England take on Pakistan in the first T20I on Tuesday. 

Also Read: Somerset T20 legend Max Waller retires after 15 years with club