Alex Hales suspended for 21 days following use of recreational drugs

England and Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales has been banned from cricket for 21 days after a breach of England and Wales Cricket board’s recreational drug policy for the second time in his career.

A spokesman for the capped England international confirmed he is serving the suspension due to an “off-field incident” not related to cricket. The spokesman added:

“He will be joining the squad in preparation for next week’s games and will be available for selection. Whilst the issue is not cricket related, Hales accepted that it was right that he was suspended.

He is now fully focused on returning to cricket and is committed to working tirelessly for both Nottinghamshire and England throughout the summer. No further comment will be made on this issue.”

It is still understood that the 30 year-old will attend England’s training camp in Cardiff this weekend as they look to turn up their preparations for this year’s home World Cup. Alex Hales had been an integral part of England’s one day squad since the previous World Cup campaign and was expected to feature for the side after being included in the preliminary squad.

Nottinghamshire did not respond to requests for comment. An ECB spokesperson said:

“We have a duty of confidentiality, therefore we are unable to provide any further comment.”

The opening batsman was also fined by the England and Wales cricket board for his involvement in an incident at a Bristol nightclub in September 2017 which saw teammate Ben Stokes acquitted for affray.

Friday’s news regarding Alex Hales could be an unwanted distraction from preparations for this year’s home World Cup. England’s warm up matches begin on the 3rd of May where they take on Ireland in a one off one-day international.