Alex Hales names the Australian bowler who has given him nightmares

Alex Hales would’ve been practising in the nets today ahead of the marquee clash against Australia in the ongoing World Cup. But following a failed drug test for the second time in his career, the selectors withdrew the cricketer’s name from the preliminary squad and Hales’ dream of playing in the mega event ended. However, he returned to play for his county and seems to be in a good space now after taking a significant break from the top level cricket.

Despite being off the field, like any England fan or cricketer, Alex Hales is excited about the arch-rivals facing each other on Tuesday at the Lord’s. It can’t get bigger than this. While the hosts have put themselves in trouble after losing to Sri Lanka, Australia look set to make it to the semis regardless of the result of this clash. However, a loss in this match means, more troubles for England in terms of making it to the top four.

Speaking about the rivalry, Alex Hales is wary of the new-ball threat Australia possess with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins at the helm. Rather the opening batsman has revealed that Cummins has given him the nightmares in the past and has a terrible record against the bowler.

I have scored only 3 runs and got out 4 times

Alex Hales hasn’t enjoyed batting against Australia yet in his ODI career. In the seven innings against them, he has mustered only 164 runs at an average of 23.42 with only a solitary half-century. Moreover, with Cummins’ inclusion in the Aussie side, it has become even more difficult for him to score runs.

“I think Mitchell Starc and Cummins both are very different bowlers and they work so well in tandem. I’ve had nightmares facing Cummins in the past. I think he has got me out four times and I’ve scored three runs. So I’m averaging 0.75 against him,” chuckled the 30-year-old while speaking to Sky Sports.

Though he won’t be playing the high-voltage encounter, Hales will be hoping that England’s batsmen don’t give an early wicket to Starc-Cummins pair.