Alex Hales: England batsman announces retirement from international cricket

England batsman Alex Hales has retired from international cricket. Hales, 34, played 156 matches across three formats for England, scoring 5,066 runs and qualifying for the men's T20 World Cup in November. He last played for his country in a five-wicket win against Pakistan in the Melbourne final. Hales, who continues to play for Nottinghamshire and in the T20 series, said it was an "absolute privilege" to represent England. "I've made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime and I feel like now is the right time to move on," she wrote on Instagram. Hales currently plays for The Hundred at Trent Rockets and is expected to continue as a regular player in T20 leagues such as the Australian Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League.

 A short format specialist, Hales was a key member of England's One Day International team. He hit a six against Australia at Trent Bridge as they broke the record for the highest ODI total in 2018. He scored 2,419 runs in 70 One Day Internationals and 573 runs in 11 Tests in 2015-16. 

However, his time in England was not without controversy. In 2017, Hales was involved in an altercation with teammate Ben Stokes outside a Bristol nightclub, leading to him being charged and dismissed by the England and Wales Cricket Board. 

Two years later, he received a 21-day ban after allegedly failing a drugs test, leading to him being left out of England's World Cup squad. His three-year exile ended in September 2022 when he was called up to replace the injured Jonny Bairstow. Reflecting on his career, he added: “During my time in an England shirt I have experienced both highs and lows. "It's been an incredible journey and I'm really happy that my last game for England was a World Cup final win. 

England next play a T20 series against New Zealand from August 30 before defending their World Cup title in the Caribbean and USA next June. Hales' retirement is likely to give Phil Salt a chance to open the batting - the Lancashire opener played 16 T20s and 14 ODIs and was also part of last year's World Cup-winning side.
It could also give Somerset opener Will Smeed (21) a chance, with 50-over World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan previously mentioning the right-back.
"Through the ups and downs, I've always had tremendous support from my friends, family and arguably the best cricketers in the world." "I look forward to continuing to play for Notts and experiencing more franchise cricket around the world."