World Cup 2019: Alex Hales goes on 'indefinite break' due to personal reasons

Hales was roped in the 15-man England preliminary World Cup squad as a back-up for either of the frontline openers – Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow

Days after getting drafted into the 15-man preliminary World cup squad, English batsman Alex Hales has decided to take an indefinite break from the game due to ‘personal reasons’. He did not feature in his County side Nottinghamshire’s 50-over match against Lancashire on Friday while the club said that “no timetable has been set for his return”. Nottinghamshire, on their official website, stated, “Alex Hales has made himself unavailable for selection for personal reasons and no timetable has been set for his return to action.” Hales was roped in as a back-up for either of the frontline openers – Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. However, the 30-year-old is expected to join the English squad for their World Cup preparations at the end of April. On the other hand, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are yet to make a comment on his absence. The right-hand batsman has represented the Three Lions in 70 ODIs and has scored six centuries. He scored a magnificent 147 against Australia last year at Trent Bridge, taking his team to a record-breaking ODI total of 481/6. England’s World Cup campaign is set to begin on 30 May when they take on South Africa.