Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell has insisted Alex Hales won’t miss any Outlaws games in the Vitality Blast, after the explosive opener entered himself into the Caribbean Premier League draft, which takes place next Thursday (1 March).

The tournament takes place between 8 August and 16 September, with Hales’ availability for the tournament subject to the culmination of the group stages of the Vitality Blast and whether the Outlaws qualify for the knockout matches.

“Alex is entitled to enter the draft but he certainly won’t be missing any Outlaws matches to compete in it,” said Mick Newell.

“If we were to qualify from the group stages of the Blast, Alex would be available for the knockout matches to follow.

"There is a chance he could head out to the Caribbean around the knockout stages but that decision will come closer to the time."

Hales is joined in the draft by fellow Englishman Adil Rashid, as well as Brendon McCullum, Chris Lynn, Mohammad Amir, D’arcy Short, Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Hashim Amla, Shahid Afridi and Usman Khawaja.

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Vitality Blast tickets go on general sale on Thursday 1 March. Click here to register your interest and receive priority access to tickets on Tuesday 27 February...