While it was disappointing news for Alex Hales that nobody bought him for Indian Premier League, he is trying to find solace in the fact that he can invest that time playing first class Cricket now which can help him make it back to the England side in the longest form of the game.
The right hander is, however, not going to present his case as an opening batsman this time. He has had a discussion with his county coach who is of the view that he can be a better test player batting second or third down than batting at the top of the order and Hales also feels the same.
As per Hales, while opening the innings, he had to curb his instincts a bit too much and that affected his game, but, if comes to bat when the ball loses its shine, he can go with his instincts and can play the way he knows to play and that’s when he believes he would be able to deliver his best.
When asked if he reckons his scores will be noticed by the national selection committee given the fact that his team is not in the top division, Hales says that batting in first class Cricket in UK particularly at the start of the season is immensely tough, never mind the division.
The guys sitting at the top with the decision making powers are very knowledgeable and they are going to acknowledge the runs which are scored even in division two because of the conditions. So, for him, it’s just about piling up one big innings after the other to make sure he is in the mind of the selectors all the time.
The upcoming season is a huge test match season for England as they also have to play Ashes in that.