In a surprising announcement, England’s cricketing star Alex Hales has decided to call time on his international career at the age of 34. The dynamic right-handed batsman, who leaves the international arena as a T20 World Cup winner, played his final game for England in a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan at the iconic MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) in November of the previous year.
156 Matches🧢
5066 Runs 🏏
578 Fours 💥
123 Sixes 💥
T20 World Cup Winner 🏆Thank you, Alex 👏
Alex Hales has announced his retirement from international cricket. pic.twitter.com/xXOUmFjide
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 4, 2023
A journey of triumphs and challenges
Hales has been in discussions with England’s management over the past nine months, carefully weighing the demands of bilateral commitments against his lucrative franchise contracts. After much contemplation, he has opted to bid farewell to the international game, while reiterating his commitment to participating in short-form leagues around the world.
The Nottingham-born cricketer made his mark on the international stage with his T20I debut against India in 2011, instantly impressing cricket enthusiasts with his explosive batting style. He later went on to make his ODI and Test debuts in 2014 and 2015, respectively, solidifying his position as a versatile and impactful player across all formats. Throughout his international career, Hales amassed over 5000 runs for England, showcasing his batting prowess and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
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In an emotional statement, Hales expressed gratitude for the privilege of representing his country on 156 occasions across all three formats. He fondly recalled the unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships forged during his international journey, making it evident that now is the right moment for him to step away from the international scene.
“It has been an absolute privilege to have represented my country on 156 occasions across all three formats. I’ve made some memories and some friendships to last a lifetime, and I feel that now is the right time to move on,” said Hales, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
A glorious finale at the T20 World Cup
Hales’ crowning moment in an England jersey came during the T20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s triumphant campaign. Fondly looking back at his last game, Hales expressed satisfaction that his final match for England culminated in a victorious World Cup final.
“Throughout my time in an England shirt, I’ve experienced some of the highest highs as well as some of the lowest lows. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel very content that my last game for England was winning a World Cup final,” he added.
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