We’ve been following the career of Nottinghamshire’s Alex Hales for some time at the Reverse Sweep.
He first came to our attention in 2009 when he cracked a superlative 150 not out against Worcestershire in a 40 over game off only 102 balls with 13 fours and 8 sixes.
We said at the time that he could develop into a worthy successor to Marcus Trescothick as an England ODI and T20 opener who can actually hit the ball over the top during the critical Powerplay overs.
We subsequently named Hales as one to watch in 2010 and again this season, and have continued to be impressed with his development in all forms of the game. His 85 (off just 89 balls) in a sorry Nottinghamshire total of 143 in a Championship match earlier this season proved our faith has not been misplaced.
With England searching for an opening partner for new ODI captain Alastair Cook, the selectors would do well to look beyond wicketkeepers for once and install a proper batsman at the top of the order.
And in our opinion 22 year old Hales should be that man. He is in good form as his 67 off just 39 balls against Durham in the t20 last night more than ably demonstrated.
More importantly, his attacking style and the fact he is a right hander would complement the more attritional Cook perfectly and bring a youthful vigour and freshness that the ODI side desperately needs after yet another disappointing World Cup.
As a certain Sky commentator and Accrington resident would doubtless say “get him in.”
Where next?
Ten to watch in 2011: Half-Term report - Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
Ten to watch in 2011: Adam Lyth, Jade Dernbach, Rory Hamilton-Brown, Samit Patel, Alex Hales, Danny Briggs, Ben Stokes, James Harris, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid
Cricket Heroes: Marcus Trescothick
Cricket Heroes: David 'Bumble' Lloyd
County Championship XI of the week #10: Division 1 Half-Term XI
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Hales is ludicrously talented for a 22 year old. I really like the look of the top of Notts' T20 line-up, with Hales, Voges and Hussey.
It will be interesting to see who England will go for as Cook's partner. They might give KP another crack there.
Posted by: RS Radio | Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 11:08
Hales looks a really good batsman. Unfortunately, England have ignored his claim on this occasion and I'd guess that Kieswetter will open with Cook having seen the squad. KP is probably worth another try though.
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 13:06