Alex Hales withdrawn from all England squads following recreational drug use

England and Nottinghamshire cricketer Alex Hales has been withdrawn from the England squad for any fixtures in the upcoming international season.

The decision to withdraw the batsman was taken by the ECB Managing Director of England men’s cricket and the England national cricket selectors after Hales was banned for 21 days due to a breach of policy when he allegedly took recreational drugs.

On Monday morning the ECB released a statement, confirming the news:

“Consideration was given to creating the right environment within the team and ensuring that there are no unnecessary distractions and that the team is in the best position to succeed going into this crucial period.

The Nottinghamshire batsman will not travel to Ireland for a one-off ODI on Friday in Malahide and has also been removed from England’s squad for the Vitality IT20, the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan and the preliminary ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad.”

The news marks a significant blow to England’s World Cup preparations ahead of a home tournament. England are the favourites to win their first World Cup but it remains to be seen whether a side that has been building momentum for four years could be hampered by the unwanted Alex Hales news.

Ashley Giles, the ECB Managing Director of England men’s cricket, said:

“We have thought long and hard about this decision. We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch.

I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer.”

England will name a replacement in the preliminary World Cup squad and the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan in due course.