Talk about leading questions...
BBC Sport 09/05/19
...And when asked if Nottinghamshire right-hander Hales' exclusion has had a unifying effect on the England squad, Root added: "Yes, absolutely."
BBCSport 07/05/19
Alex Hales can come back "stronger and better than ever" after his removal from EnSpeaking before the first of five one-day internationals against Pakistan at The Oval on Wednesday, Bayliss said that he felt "let down".
The Australian added: "The players that we have in the team have really made strides in their culture over the last 12 or 18 months.
"Unfortunately, it was decided that Alex didn't quite get it right. We're more than hopeful he will come back stronger and better than ever."gland's World Cup squad, says national team coach Trevor Bayliss.
The batsman, 30, was suspended for an "off-field incident", reportedly after a positive test for recreational drugs.
"It's been relayed to him that it's not the end of the road," Bayliss told BBC Sport.
"He's been an important part of the one-day set-up and there's no reason why he can't still be going forward."
Hales had previously been suspended and fined by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for his part in an altercation outside a Bristol nightclub in September 2017.
Citing confidentiality concerns, the ECB has not confirmed why Hales served a 21-day suspension in April, and it is for those reasons he was not prevented from being named in England's provisional World Cup squad.
However, when news of his failed test was reported by the Guardian, senior players and management requested that Hales be removed for what captain Eoin Morgan described as a "complete breakdown in trust".
BBCSport 01/05/19
"I'd like him to be involved," Moores said. "Anyone who misses out on a World Cup is going to be very disappointed.
"But it's how he reacts to it - I expect Alex to react in the right way."
Nottinghamshire say they will work with Hales, the Professional Cricketers' Association and the ECB to look after his welfare and ensure he receives support and guidance.
"Alex's off-field actions have, at times, fallen way short of the behaviours the club expects from any of its staff," a statement said.
"He accepts the position he finds himself in is of his own making. He knows he has a long road back to redeem himself in the eyes of many people, but that now has to be his aim.
"After much deliberation, we believe it's in the best interests of all concerned for him to get back to playing cricket for Nottinghamshire as quickly as possible."
A “devastated” Alex Hales has launched a withering attack on the England & Wales Cricket Board after his international career was left in ruins by the belated decision to kick him out of the World Cup squad.
Hales was told on Monday morning he would be withdrawn from all international squads in the “best interests of the team” and to protect the “right environment around the England team” after it emerged he was serving a 21-day ban for a second positive test for recreational drugs.
Ashley Giles, the England team director, broke the news to Hales at the England training camp in Cardiff after a meeting of the England management on Sunday. The decision was made by Giles, the selectors, coach Trevor Bayliss, and captain Eoin Morgan.
James Vince will take Hales’ place in the squad for the five-match ODI series against Pakistan (he was already part of the squad for the Ireland game) and is in prime position for a call-up for the World Cup. Ben Duckett and Dawid Malan have been added to the squad for the match in Ireland on Friday and Sunday’s T20 against Pakistan in Cardiff in place of Hales and Jason Roy, who has a back injury.
Hales is now contemplating the end of his international career at the age of 30. He had run out of chances according to England after a series disciplinary lapses, but he feels badly let down having believed he had been given assurances that his World Cup place would be decided on form.
But while England have ultimately come to the correct decision, Hales is right to be upset by the change of heart. The selectors, Bayliss and Morgan were unaware of his failed test when they picked him in the provisional World Cup squad and for the matches against Ireland and Pakistan, but Giles had been informed. At that point Hales was not deemed a threat to the team’s culture. It was only when public pressure grew over the weekend that the decision was reversed.
The ECB felt its hands were tied by its own confidentiality regulations on recreational drug testing and it is understood there will now be an urgent review of that policy.
It is viewed as too lenient with a first failed test dealt with as a lifestyle issue and a player’s employer not informed. Apart from the medical department, Telegraph Sport understands the ECB was unaware Hales had failed a first test.
When he failed a second it was felt they could not go public because of precedent; that other players had been granted anonymity for failing a second test. But no player of Hales’ profile has failed a second test and the initial decision to stick with him was a gamble so close to a World Cup that has now backfired.
Hales’ ban expires this week and he will play for Notts. He is now contemplating life as a Twenty20 freelance but landing deals might not be easy. He does not have an IPL contract and Cricket Australia will be reluctant to tarnish the family-friendly image of their Big Bash tournament by signing up an English player who has failed drug tests. He faces a long road back.
BBC Sport 29/04/19
IT'S ALL FALLING APART FOR HALES
"I'd like him to be involved," Moores said. "Anyone who misses out on a World Cup is going to be very disappointed.
"But it's how he reacts to it - I expect Alex to react in the right way."
Nottinghamshire say they will work with Hales, the Professional Cricketers' Association and the ECB to look after his welfare and ensure he receives support and guidance.
"Alex's off-field actions have, at times, fallen way short of the behaviours the club expects from any of its staff," a statement said.
"He accepts the position he finds himself in is of his own making. He knows he has a long road back to redeem himself in the eyes of many people, but that now has to be his aim.
"After much deliberation, we believe it's in the best interests of all concerned for him to get back to playing cricket for Nottinghamshire as quickly as possible."
'Devastated' Alex Hales hits out at ECB decision to axe him from England's Cricket World Cup squad
A “devastated” Alex Hales has launched a withering attack on the England & Wales Cricket Board after his international career was left in ruins by the belated decision to kick him out of the World Cup squad.
Hales was told on Monday morning he would be withdrawn from all international squads in the “best interests of the team” and to protect the “right environment around the England team” after it emerged he was serving a 21-day ban for a second positive test for recreational drugs.
Ashley Giles, the England team director, broke the news to Hales at the England training camp in Cardiff after a meeting of the England management on Sunday. The decision was made by Giles, the selectors, coach Trevor Bayliss, and captain Eoin Morgan.
James Vince will take Hales’ place in the squad for the five-match ODI series against Pakistan (he was already part of the squad for the Ireland game) and is in prime position for a call-up for the World Cup. Ben Duckett and Dawid Malan have been added to the squad for the match in Ireland on Friday and Sunday’s T20 against Pakistan in Cardiff in place of Hales and Jason Roy, who has a back injury.
Hales is now contemplating the end of his international career at the age of 30. He had run out of chances according to England after a series disciplinary lapses, but he feels badly let down having believed he had been given assurances that his World Cup place would be decided on form.
“We are hugely disappointed at the treatment of our client, Alex Hales, by the ECB following his ejection from England’s preliminary World Cup squad,” read the statement from Hales’ representatives. “Nobody is seeking to excuse Alex’s behaviour in this instance. He absolutely acknowledges and recognises he made a huge mistake.
“But as part of the ongoing process, both he and his representatives have been involved in many conversations with senior members of the ECB over the past few weeks where Alex has apologised profusely for his actions. At every stage, Alex fulfilled his obligations and both he and his representatives were given assurances that any suspension - again under the ECB’s guidelines - could not affect his selection for the World Cup.
“It is unfortunate that a confidential matter made it to the public arena but, even before the publication of the story, Alex had again spoken to key members of the England organisation to express his regret and contrition. At that time, he again took away the message his World Cup place would be judged on playing merit.
“The fact all those assurances seem to have been rendered meaningless has understandably left Alex devastated. Until the matter became public, the ECB had fully observed their own process and guidelines and given Alex the support and guidance laid out in those regulations. It is now disappointing to learn these guidelines seem to have been disregarded while, in this instance, player welfare would also appear to be low on their list of priorities.”
When it came to deciding his fate, Hales received little support from Bayliss and Morgan and while there will be sympathy from some fellow players, others feel let down believing he threatened to break down team discipline.
England decided he had become a liability and too much of a distraction in the lead up to the World Cup. They will have feared more revelations if they had stuck by him and the threat of undermining a carefully-constructed culture around the team, led by Morgan who has demanded professionalism and dedication from his players as they face this once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a World Cup on home soil.
“But as part of the ongoing process, both he and his representatives have been involved in many conversations with senior members of the ECB over the past few weeks where Alex has apologised profusely for his actions. At every stage, Alex fulfilled his obligations and both he and his representatives were given assurances that any suspension - again under the ECB’s guidelines - could not affect his selection for the World Cup.
“It is unfortunate that a confidential matter made it to the public arena but, even before the publication of the story, Alex had again spoken to key members of the England organisation to express his regret and contrition. At that time, he again took away the message his World Cup place would be judged on playing merit.
“The fact all those assurances seem to have been rendered meaningless has understandably left Alex devastated. Until the matter became public, the ECB had fully observed their own process and guidelines and given Alex the support and guidance laid out in those regulations. It is now disappointing to learn these guidelines seem to have been disregarded while, in this instance, player welfare would also appear to be low on their list of priorities.”
When it came to deciding his fate, Hales received little support from Bayliss and Morgan and while there will be sympathy from some fellow players, others feel let down believing he threatened to break down team discipline.
England decided he had become a liability and too much of a distraction in the lead up to the World Cup. They will have feared more revelations if they had stuck by him and the threat of undermining a carefully-constructed culture around the team, led by Morgan who has demanded professionalism and dedication from his players as they face this once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a World Cup on home soil.
But while England have ultimately come to the correct decision, Hales is right to be upset by the change of heart. The selectors, Bayliss and Morgan were unaware of his failed test when they picked him in the provisional World Cup squad and for the matches against Ireland and Pakistan, but Giles had been informed. At that point Hales was not deemed a threat to the team’s culture. It was only when public pressure grew over the weekend that the decision was reversed.
The ECB felt its hands were tied by its own confidentiality regulations on recreational drug testing and it is understood there will now be an urgent review of that policy.
It is viewed as too lenient with a first failed test dealt with as a lifestyle issue and a player’s employer not informed. Apart from the medical department, Telegraph Sport understands the ECB was unaware Hales had failed a first test.
When he failed a second it was felt they could not go public because of precedent; that other players had been granted anonymity for failing a second test. But no player of Hales’ profile has failed a second test and the initial decision to stick with him was a gamble so close to a World Cup that has now backfired.
Hales’ ban expires this week and he will play for Notts. He is now contemplating life as a Twenty20 freelance but landing deals might not be easy. He does not have an IPL contract and Cricket Australia will be reluctant to tarnish the family-friendly image of their Big Bash tournament by signing up an English player who has failed drug tests. He faces a long road back.
BBC Sport 29/04/19
IT'S ALL FALLING APART FOR HALES
Alex Hales has been withdrawn from England's preliminary World Cup squad to ensure the team is "free from any distractions", the England & Wales Cricket Board has said.
Last week, a spokesman for the batsman said he had been suspendedfollowing an "off-field incident".
Hales, 30, was part of a provisional 15-man squad named for the World Cup.
"I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex's career as an England player," said ECB chief Ashley Giles.
The ECB has refused to say what Hales has done to warrant his withdrawal, citing confidentiality concerns.
Hales missed Nottinghamshire's One-Day Cup games last week for what the county described as "personal reasons".
The incident happened last year, and the player's spokesman added: "While the issue is not cricket-related, he accepted it was right he was suspended."
The ECB says he has also been removed from the England squad for the one-day international against Ireland on Friday, as well as the Twenty20 international and ODI series against Pakistan.
A replacement for the World Cup squad must be named by 23 May, when final squads are submitted to the International Cricket Council.
"We have thought long and hard about this decision," added Giles, the ECB's managing director of England men's cricket.
"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.
"The ECB and the PCA (Professional Cricketers' 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."
Hales' management company said in a statement it is "hugely disappointed at the treatment" of the cricketer.
It said the ECB "insisted on Alex taking certain rehabilitation measures following his suspension" and that "at every stage, Alex fulfilled his obligations and both he and his representatives were given assurances that any suspension - again under the ECB's guidelines - could not affect his selection for the World Cup".
The statement added: "The fact all those assurances seem to have been rendered meaningless has understandably left Alex devastated. He will take time to reflect on both his actions and the subsequent decisions, but will receive the support from his team he deserves."
Hales has played 11 Tests, 70 one-day internationals and 60 T20 matches for England.
He is now regarded as a white-ball specialist, however, and in 2018 signed a new contract with Nottinghamshire to play only limited-overs matches until the end of the 2019 season.
It is the second time he has been suspended, following his punishment - which also included a fine - for an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September 2017.
The England limited-overs batsman did not face any criminal charges, while team-mate Ben Stokes was cleared of affray at a trial.
In addition to the incident in Bristol, Hales was charged in relation to "inappropriate images".
Speaking to the Guardian earlier this month, the batsman said the fallout from the incident had been a "lesson learned the incredibly hard way", and subsequently told BBC Sport he believed he deserved a "second chance" after he and his team-mates were "caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time".
One consequence of the fall-out means Outlaws will loses the services of Ben Duckett who England have now drafted for the games against Ireland (ODI) and Pakistan (IT20).
Just seeing if I can now publish under a real name, and thought I would ask if Hales will replace duckett...just asking..!
ReplyDeleteNothing is going to happen until the, once confidential, 21 day suspension has been served. When was day 1?
DeleteThe problem for Notts is whether to select him for 1st team matches in the near future. If he is selected it will infuriate many people as he will be taking the place of one of the successful batsmen already playing. If he is not selected then what chance has he of being selected for England again?
ReplyDeleteEven though I wouldn't have given him a white ball contract I wouldn't cast Alex aside completely but he would have to prove his genuine commitment to the team before he is put back in the starting eleven and only then when there is an injury or batsmen out of form. He lost the right to an automatic recall when he declined to help us out in four day cricket last season.
ReplyDeleteThere are times when people need support from those around him. I know that it's easier and more popular to write off those who "free fall" especially when they are famous and rich but none of us know what has happened in his life. There have been many sports stars who have self destructed but some have recovered just like Tiger. He describes the love of those around him for being the biggest reason. I guess that his surgeon helped too. I truly hope that we can offer true support but, of course, he has to want to receive that "love". I want the real Alex back.
ReplyDeleteThere is little doubt that Hales at his best is one of the most destructive T20 batsmen around,Trouble is his best does not happen nearly enough,
ReplyDeleteNotts have decisions to make both regarding this season and also what happens when his contract expires.
Short term I would imagine it's unlikely we will see him in a Notts shirt before the T20 starts, Notts have been playing well in the RLC and even given the absence of Duckett it's far more likely his place will go to the unfortunate Ben Slater ( injuries when you are playing badly rarely seem to happen).
Next season presents different problems, AH may well decide a fresh start is what's needed, Even with the possibility of a much longer ban if he is caught again there is little doubt that pretty much every team in the top flight would want to sign him if they could
Surrey for example would be able to offer both cash and also the chance to play in a star studded team likely to win trophies
Notts would probably match the cash with the added bonus of familiar surroundings.
Not being privy to Hales mind its difficult to say what he will do, He's no longer a promising youngster so his next contract is likely to be one of the most important he will ever sign.
Whatever he decides to do, One thing is for certain, In his time at TB he has entertained us in a way few batsmen can match.
Perhaps rather than his Representative setting out Alex's disappointment the better way forward would be a period of silence and reflection and seeing if he could help in a more 'behind the scenes' way with the younger players / charitable activities etc. There is more to life than chasing the big money - and clearly even that was not enough for Alex - so trying to address one's own personal deficiencies should top the list. As supporters we also have to accept that we build up our 'starts' but then are just as quick to knock them down again. I too hope that Alex gets the help and support that he needs - I have no doubts that Notts will do all that they can.
ReplyDeleteI don't consider Hales can complain whatsoever about the decision, no matter what assurances, he may or may not have been given.
ReplyDeleteHis actions have now also deprived Notts of another batsman (I. e Duckett )
It remains to be seen,if he now, buckles down to work for his county, or throws all his toys out the pram and embarks on a long sulk.
Recent history and his character would suggest the latter.
Let's hope for Notts sake, he proves me wrong.
As luck would have, Alex can go to the nets at Trent Bridge in total privacy for the whole of May (no fixtures). If he were to, that might show a few things (if only we knew he had done it); like he wants a place in the Outlaws XI for starters. Knuckling down, working hard will get people back, if not on his side, more towards his side. Support of loyal fans can only be good for Alex's mental wellbeing but currently he needs to earn that loyalty back- as Simon Hughes says, "he can't be trusted". Writing back into his contract without further renumeration, to play red ball cricket again - wouldn't hurt his cause either and would maximise his opportunities to play too.
DeleteWhilst I have sympathy for dear old Baz over any personal problems he may or may not have, the whole saga is becoming a little tedious dating back to his opting for a white ball only contract and then the situation with Stokes etc. I'd rather concentrate on the players(albeit lesser in ability)who actually want to or can play for our first eleven namely a combination of Slats, Libby2.0 and Gnasher. As Mustafa eloquently states above his situation is of only one persons making, namely his. The Baz that was totally committed to Notts(the one of two seasons ago) could walk back into any Notts Eleven and everyone would have accepted it. Now it would surely be chronic for team spirit & morale and like most mere mortals he has to wait his turn? If he were to reverse his decision and opt to play red ball and convince everyone at the club he's 100percent committed to Notts again then that's a different story possibly
ReplyDeleteWhilst we are clearly responsible for our own conduct and behaviour I simply suggest that there are many factors that can impact on an individual's mental health. I think that fame,wealth and media attention can create challenges that are poorly understood and are hard to cope with for some. There are too many 'fallen idols' for this not to be true. I prefer to be generous in my attitude to Alex because I don't know what's brought about his crisis. My default is a supportive attitude. Writing him off because "it is his fault" is not where I hope cricket lovers will find their response to Alex's problems.
ReplyDeleteCould not agree with you more Chris.
ReplyDeletebws
Chris S
And Joe Clarke doesn't come out of this with any credit either - 2 cricketers playing a stupid 'game' of making the most sexual conquests. Demeaning to women and shows them up for what they are - So the clear lesson is for Alex, Joe and Alex Hepburn is that drugs, alocohol and sex do not mix. For me, though, it is simply a demonstration by them all of blatant immaturity, stupidity and self-destruction. They have a lot to put right in their personal and professional lives.
ReplyDeleteFrom the Club:
ReplyDeleteThe recent events in relation to Alex Hales have been difficult for everyone involved with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. Alex’s off-field actions have, at times, fallen way short of the behaviours the Club expects from any of its staff.
Following his withdrawal from all England squads this week, we have met with Alex to express our concerns and to re-iterate that such actions cannot continue.
The meeting was open, honest and constructive and a way forward was agreed between both parties. Alex has expressed a great deal of regret and contrition for his actions and he has ultimately paid a heavy price.
He accepts that the position he finds himself in is of his own making. He knows he has a long road back to redeem himself in the eyes of many people, but that now has to be his aim.
After much deliberation, we believe it’s in the best interests of all concerned for him to get back to playing cricket for Nottinghamshire as quickly as possible.
With his suspension now served, he is available for selection for all white-ball cricket for the remainder of the 2019 season, starting with the fixture against Durham on Friday.
As Alex’s County Club, we will work with him, the PCA and the ECB to look after his welfare and to ensure he receives the support and guidance he needs to work through this experience and to prevent any re-occurrences.
Groan.
DeleteFor now our Club has taken exactly the right course of action. I am pretty proud of them and hope that eventually I can be again equally proud of Alex both as a Notts player and as a young man.
ReplyDeleteHe might be an idiot but he's our idiot!
DeleteAbsolutely, Baz get your Gray Nichols out(ooh err missus as Frankie Howerd would say) and get us into a Lords final again, you've got the talent we all know that.
DeleteActons speak louder than words.
ReplyDeleteThe test for Hales , is whether or not he can remain focused on playing regular cricket, or get distracted by his well documented off field activities .
If there are other hidden issues present here, such as his mental well being,then he will need understanding and support from his colleagues,and it could be a long ,and rocky road.
Let us hope that Hales can get get his life and career back on track, to the benefit of all concerned, as soon as possible.
First time poster. I don't know Alex Hales. All I know is that he is responsible for two of my greatest moments of cricket watching. 50 over final at Lord's. T20 against Durham. I feel sad for him. I won't join in with the condemnation. I hope he gets what he wants out of life. For relocation reasons I've watched all of the IPL this year when I've previously seen none and I can't see why some of those players are seen as gods when he's not even there. He's a world class talent.
ReplyDeleteAnd a world class fool. England are correct with their clear way forward - good players with good ethics with good behaviour on and off the field. A long way back for Alex I fear.
ReplyDeleteNowhere near the genius that was KP but still a very very good white ball player. So many good young players coming through playing this format I think he will struggle to get back personally despite what T.Bayliss is spouting. I wonder therefore what his motivation will be. Hope I'm wrong and it's enough for him to see out his career with us. Let's not feel too sorry for him whatever happens he won't be getting up at 5am to do a day shift at Tesco for a pittance.
Delete