Alex Hales says winning return to team is a ‘very special feeling’

Alex Hales plays a shot during his 53 against Pakistan

Alex Hales struck 53 against Pakistan in the first T20I at Karachi. His innings helped the touring English party to overhaul Pakistan’s total with four balls to spare, thus empowering them to go 1-0 up in the seven-match series.

Notably, the match also marked Hales’ first international fixture for England after a gap of more than three years.

PAK vs ENG 2022: Alex Hales opens up on comeback to national side

After the match, the English opening batter stated that it was a special feeling for him to contribute in his team’s win after a long comeback. He said:

“Three years felt like forever. It's a very special feeling to get back out on the park for England. To score a fifty on my return in a winning team is the stuff dreams are made of.”

Hales was dropped from the England squad in March 2019. Thereafter, the cricketer took to franchise cricket by participating in leagues like the PSL and Big Bash.

He received a national call-up for the Pakistan tour after Jonny Bairstow sustained an untimely knee injury. The 33-year-old is also named in England’s 15-player squad for next month’s T20 World Cup in Australia, where his Big Bash experience is expected to come in handy.

The ongoing series also marks England’s first trip to Pakistan since 2005. While Hales has already made several trips to Pakistan to honour his PSL commitments, travelling here with the national side is “incredibly special” for him. He said:

“I've got some fantastic memories on and off the field so to be part of the first England tour here in such a long time is an incredibly special feeling. I've played in front of full houses here in Karachi and it's something different. It's one of the best atmospheres in world cricket. Karachi put on a show.”

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