I think for time being my focus is purely on T20 cricket: Alex Hales

Explosive opener Alex Hales has said that his focus purely is on T20 cricket and he does not have too much ambitions in the 50-over format as of now. The swashbuckling batter’s remarks came when asked about his vision for the next year’s ODI World Cup in India where England will be defending their title.

Alex Hales made a solid statement in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and played an instrumental role in England’s triumph in Australia. Hales, who was never in the scheme of things in the first place, got a direct entry into the squad once star batter Jonny Bairstow was ruled out for an indefinite period of time due to a broken leg.

 You have to see what the future holds: Alex Hales

"I think for the time being my focus lies purely on T20 cricket. It is a format where over the last three years, I have gotten better at a really quick rate. I think for the time being I am just going to focus on T20 Cricket, and probably give that (50 over cricket) some thought. I know there is a World Cup in India next summer, but for the moment my focus is on this tournament and the T20 franchise circuit. You have to see what the future holds, you just never know,” said Hales as quoted by The Print.

At the same time, the senior batter is also excited to be a part of the inaugural edition of the UAE-based ILT20  where he will be representing the Desert Vipers.

“I know Tom Moody really well. I have played under him in the past, so to get a chance to work with him again was awesome. I am really looking forward to being part of a new franchise,” he said.

“Being a part of a new and exciting competition is really important for me as a T20 cricketer. The game is growing, and to get a chance to play in a country I like, where I have spent a lot of time playing cricket over the years, is really exciting,” the English power-hitter added.

Alex Hales had an excellent run at the T20 World Cup amassing 212 runs from six matches. His standout performances came in the semis against India where he played a blistering knock of 86* runs off 47 balls at a phenomenal strike rate of 182.97. Moreover, Hales was also involved in an unbeaten 170-run stand with skipper Jos Buttler.