With the IPL doors closing on him, Alex Hales looks to make a Test comeback

"Obviously if I’d been picked up in the IPL auction, I’d have gone, Hales said.

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Alex Hales
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England’s Alex Hales. (Photo by MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP/Getty Images)

Hard-hitting England batsman Alex Hales was unlucky to have been left unsold in this year’s IPL auction. Hales now thinks of grabbing this opportunity to focus towards making a comeback in the longest format of the game.

Hales’ ability to hit the ball is not to be trifled with. The fierce opener was once at the top of the table for T20 batsmen. Nevertheless, as Hales will not feature in the 10th edition of the IPL, he will be available to play for his county side Nottinghamshire in the upcoming County Championship and draw the attention of selectors.

“Obviously if I’d been picked up in the IPL auction, I’d have gone. But when one door shuts another opens, and this is my chance to push a case for a Test recall,” Hales was quoted as saying by Sportzwiki. An aggressive player at the top of the order, Hales has shown glimpses of his power hitting but has failed to replicate those big innings on a consistent basis.

Given his abilities, Hales has had a poor Test career so far, scoring a total of 573 runs in 11 matches. His failure to cash in on the opportunities have led to his ouster from the side. Younger names such as Keaton Jennings and Haseeb Hameed have instead been called in and proved their mettle in the Test series against India.

Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores suggested Hales bat in the middle order which might bolster his chances of returning to the Test fold anytime sooner. The middle order slot would be a bit of a novelty for the 28-year-old, but Hales feels he will be more comfortable there.

“Now is the perfect chance – I’m 28 now, not getting any younger – to give it a proper crack where I think I’m best suited to bat. I think batting in the middle is more suited to my attacking style. It will allow me to play my natural game. Mooresy was very keen for it; we both agreed,” Hales said.

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