'That must be the end of his international career' - Michael Vaughan after ECB ignores Alex Hales in England's fresh ODI squad

The cricketing fraternity was shocked on Tuesday after ECB announced that three players and four management members from England’s ODI squad have been tested positive for COVID-19. All the members of the squad and management were deemed close contact and were isolated immediately. This led to ECB selecting a fresh 18-man squad for the ODI series against Pakistan with Ben Stokes leading them.

Many felt that this will present a great opportunity for Alex Hales to return to the set up. However, that wasn’t to be. The opening batsman was ignored again, only days after Eoin Morgan had stated that there will be conversations with Hales at some point. Hales has been away from England’s national squad after his drug test came out positive just before the World Cup 2019.

Since then, he has been playing franchise cricket and performing well in the domestic arena as well only to not get picked. He served his punishment at that time and many reckoned he will be back for Pakistan ODIs at least. As many as nine uncapped players were selected but Alex Hales didn’t make it to the squad.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has reacted to Hales not getting picked and feels that his international career might have ended now. He also felt sad for one of the best white-ball openers in the world and reckoned, having served his punishment, Alex Hales should get another chances.

“So No Alex Hales … that must be the end of his international career then … find it very sad that someone who made a huge mistake but was punished can’t be given another go … we all mistakes every week … !!! Those that say they don’t are lying (sic),” he wrote in a tweet.

Alex Hales has played 70 ODIs for England

Alex Hales was one of the reasons for England’s redemption after the debacle in the 2015 World Cup. He has played 70 ODIs for his country so far scoring 2419 runs with six centuries 14 fifties at an average of 37.79. This was the best chance for him to prove his worth for England but it seems the doors of national squad are closed for him now.