It’s hard to deny that Alex Hales is box-office at its very finest. His brutal dismantling of the Birmingham Bears saw him collect six back-to-back sixes in a final score of 86 from just 43 deliveries and hand Notts Outlaws victory in their first NatWest T20 Blast fixture of 2015.

After completing his post-match media, Hales indulged the hundreds of fans eagerly waiting for photographs and autographs long after the close of play.

It’s clear Hales has that x-factor, and the game’s shortest format has allowed him to realise his potential.

“When it’s your day you feel like you can take down any bowler and fortunately this was one of those days,” he said.

“That’s twenty20 cricket for you.”

It was probably my second best innings behind my century against Sri Lanka in the World T20. What great way to start the tournament for myself and the team.

Speaking before departing Trent Bridge for a short IPL stint with Mumbai Indians, Hales reiterated that the chance to take part iwas one he couldn’t afford to miss. He did, however, pay tribute to the 10,118 Nottinghamshire fans who turned out in force to witness his destructive innings.

“For me, there’s no better place to play than here,” he said.

“We’re blessed to have the great crowd and atmosphere we get at Trent Bridge and also the brand of cricket we play here is fantastic.

“We have a strong record here at home, and long may it continue.

“It’s a shame but going to India was a no-brainer for me. It’s a tournament I’ve been itching to get into for a couple of years and playing the game I love against the best players in foreign conditions can only make me a better player.”

Despite spearheading the Outlaws assault on the reigning champions, Hales insisted that it was the platform set by his side’s bowlers that set the tone for his explosive chase.

“It was a great team performance,” he said.

“A lot of credit has to go to the bowlers who set the tone early in the innings then the skills they showed at the death were as good as I’ve seen from them.”

Notts Outlaws are next in action on Friday 22 May, hosting Yorkshire Vikings at Trent Bridge.

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

v Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 22 May 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Durham Jets – Sunday 31 May 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 5 June 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Northamptonshire Steelbacks – Saturday 27 June 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Worcestershire Rapids – Friday 3 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Derbyshire Falcons – Friday 10 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.