Hales hopes for selectors’ nod ahead of BD Tests

NOTTINGHAM, England: Alex Hales hoped that England selectors will back him for a Test spot after plundering 171 in a mammoth victory against Pakistan here at Trent Bridge on Tuesday night.

Hales had a forgettable Test series against Pakistan and then also flopped in the first two One-day Internationals before regaining his golden form at his home ground that helped him post the highest individual score by an England player in an ODI.

“It’s been a tough few weeks personally. The Test series didn’t go to plan but when it comes to the white ball in the last 12 months I’ve felt in good form,” he said after his match-winning performance. “I was always confident heading into this series and it’s nice to put it right tonight. The summer has had plenty of ups and downs.

“I did well against Sri Lanka but didn’t do myself justice against Pakistan. It’s nice to try and sweep that under the rug and try to move forwards.”

Despite his heroics on Tuesday, Hales is aware that he might lose his place in the England Test side that will tour Bangladesh. But the big-hitting opener hoped that he will get another opportunity.

“They’re two very different games, red-ball and white-ball cricket. All I can do is try to score as many runs as I can in the remaining games and keep myself in contention for that spot. Hopefully they back me. It was a tough series but when it came to 50-over cricket it took me 20 games to cement my spot.”