Batsman Alex Hales has been withdrawn from all England squads ahead of the new international season, just days after he was served with a 21-day suspension from all forms of cricket.
The England and Nottinghamshire batsman had been recently suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for an ‘off-field’ incident not related to cricket.
On Monday, Hales was withdrawn from the preliminary England World Cup squad as well as from the squads for the upcoming limited-overs clashes against Ireland and Pakistan.
“We have thought long and hard about this decision,” ECB Managing Director for Men’s cricket Ashley Giles said in a statement.
ECB Official Statement - Alex Hales.
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) April 29, 2019
“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 (Professional Cricketer’s Association) 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 for the batsman for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Pakistan in due course.
