I can’t see how Alex Hales plays again while Eoin Morgan is captain: Michael Vaughan

When 2019 had started, everyone would have hoped to see Alex Hales in the World Cup 2019 squad for the England team. However, due to his use of recreational drugs, the batsman was dropped from all formats of the England squad. Since then, he has been ignored by the England selectors. Captain Eoin Morgan has said that the team needs more time to forgive the mistake of committed by Hales. Recently, when ECB announced a 55 member squad for training, Hales’ name was not included.

This ignorance given to Hales hasn’t gone down well with the cricket fraternity in England. Former England captain Micheal Vaughan has called the step taken by the board as ‘harsh’. He also said that he believes that Hales has served his time by not playing for the England World Cup squad. The team of 2019 went on to win the World Cup at home and Hales would surely have been a part of the squad had it not been for the allegation.

“I think this is harsh. He made big, big mistakes, and he paid for it – he wasn’t part of the World Cup, he wasn’t a part of that World Cup-winning side,” the former England captain said in the Tuffers and Vaughan podcast. “I always think players deserve a second chance. He’s gone and played a few leagues, he’s played OK.

Eoin Morgan is sending that message: Michael Vaughan

Earlier, former England captain Nasser Hussain had also said that it is time for ECB to offer a second chance to Hales. Former England batsman Nick Compton had questioned the same saying that Hales is not being treated equally. During the interaction, Vaughan also said that he feels Hales won’t play for England until Morgan is the captain.

“I know you split it, 55 players, not all of them are white-ball specialists – but say 28 for the Tests, 27 for white balls … you can’t tell me that Alex Hales isn’t in the best 27 white-ball players in this country. He has to be. I can’t see how he plays again while Eoin Morgan is captain,” he said. “That’s clearly the message Eoin is sending that, ‘While I’m in charge, Alex, you’ve got no chance of playing for England’”

Vaughan credited Morgan for being the best ODI captain England has ever had. However, he pointed out that he needs to question himself a bit regarding bringing in Hales back into the side.

“I love Eoin Morgan. I think he’s a brilliant leader, he’s the best one-day captain we’ve ever had, by a country mile. But I think in this regard, sometimes, you just have to look yourself in the mirror and go, ‘He’s a human being. Has he done anything wrong since he missed the World Cup?’ Has he played well? Yes. Has he done anything wrong that’s gone against the disciplines of the game? No. Does he deserve to be in the best 27-28 white-ball players in the country? I would suggest that he does,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan also pointed out that the selection panel didn’t explain the reason why Hales was not included. The former English skipper also explained that Hales could be a good prospect going into the T20 World Cup later this year.

Chris Woakes, the England pacer had also voiced the opinion that the batsman should be given another opportunity. Hales has gone onto play in several T20 leagues across the globe in the past year. His records at CPL, BBL, PSL, and MSL are quite good as well.