Jonny Bairstow replaces Alex Hales for T20I series against India

England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow will replace Alex Hales for the upcoming T20I series against India following the close of the third ODI at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The England opener reportedly injured himself in the second ODI at Cuttack wherein he broke his right hand whilst fielding.

In spite of this, Hales came out to bat and also put on a decent partnership in the initial few overs with Jason Roy before eventually being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. The injury occurred when Hales was attempting a catch while fielding in the deep square leg from a shot attempted by MS Dhoni.

While doing so, Hales jarred his hand on the ground and will now be expected to take the early flight back home where he will be attended to by a surgeon. The same was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board as well as the team management.

Jonny Bairstow, the man who had an amazing 2016 with the bat will be replacing Hales for the T20 internationals against India. The T20Is will perhaps be a perfect setting for Eoin Morgan to regain some prominence for the England side who have had a terrible tour of India thus far. Moreover, the fact of the matter sees Bairstow playing a rare T20I, something he has not been privy to in recent times.

In spite of not doing much wrong in Cuttack, the Indians did indeed have their noses in front as they went ahead and clinched a 15-run win. This was also a match of epic proportions given the fact that in excess of 700 runs were scored on the day, something that generally does not happen.

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