'No one had any issues' - Jos Buttler on Alex Hales' return to England team

England's limited-overs skipper Jos Buttler backed the selection of Alex Hales in the T20I squad stating the explosive opener is "a different person" now. Alex Hales made the team after Jonny Bairstow suffered a 'freak' injury, ruling him out of the upcoming series against Pakistan and the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Alex Hales hasn't been part of the English setup since the training camp before the 2019 World Cup. He was dropped from the squad after he was suspended for recreational drug use. The then English skipper Eoin Morgan, quite understandably, was infuriated by the cricketer's lack of team values.

Jos Buttler, who took over the reins after the retirement of Morgan, clarified that no one has any issues with Alex Hales' return, and he will be an asset for the team with his excellent record down under. Buttler also highlighted the lanky cricketer's success in numerous global T20 leagues, which will come in handy for the English team. 

"I spoke to lots of the senior players to make sure that no one would have any issues with Alex being back in the team if we wanted to select him. No one had any issues. He's obviously been in excellent form. We know what a talented player he is, and he's gained a lot of experience as well since the last time he played for England. He's played for a lot of franchises and had great success out here at the PSL. Looking ahead to the World Cup, his Big Bash record is fantastic. Australia is a place that he's done well, and so he seemed the obvious pick," Buttler said to the press.

Bairstow's freak injury presented an opportunity for someone to come in: Jos Buttler

Meanwhile, the English skipper also spoke about the unfortunate injury to the in-form Jonny Bairstow, who suffered a freak injury while playing golf. Buttler said that he was the obvious choice at the top of the order, which is his best position in the limited-overs format. But Bairstow's injury came as an opportunity for others to prove themselves with the national team.

"Initially, we thought the best option was Jonny at the top of the order as that's arguably his best position in T20 cricket. But with his freak injury, it presented an opportunity for someone to come in," Buttler explained in Karachi on Thursday, speaking to the touring media after his official arrival press conference.