English pacer Chris Woakes believes that his team teammate and opening batsman Alex Hales, who was dropped from England’s World Cup squad last summer, deserves a ‘second chance’. Hales was axed from the 50-over World Cup squad for failing a second test for recreational drug use. Later in the World Cup tournament, England emerged as the winner and lifted their maiden World Cup trophy.
Speaking about his compatriot Alex Hales, Chris acknowledged that Hales is a ‘word-class-player’ and confessed that he will be happy if the opening batsman returns to the England squad. The 31-year old pacer further quoted, “I don’t 100 percent know what will happen but I’d be happy to see Alex back in England colours. I would imagine the majority would have the kind of views I have given.”
He further added, “People deserve a second chance, as long as they’ve gone away and worked on a few things. I don’t know why anyone would see that any differently.”
Alex Hales has been a crucial part of the English squad especially after the 2015 ICC World Cup. He has played 60 T20Is and was also a member of the England side that reached the final of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2016 hosted by India.
Woakes also mentioned that he thinks people have gone away for a time and worked on their weaknesses and they should be given a second chance.
Earlier this month, England’s World Cup winning skipper Eoin Morgan said that the ‘door is still open’ for Hales to earn a recall to the T20 side of England squad if he gains back the trust of the management.
On May 20, England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that 18 bowlers will resume training sessions as the country plans for a return of international cricket post the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
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