Alex Hales will be back in the Notts Outlaws squad for Friday’s home match against Worcestershire Rapids, Head Coach Peter Moores has confirmed.
The 29-year-old batsman has missed the opening games of the Green and Golds’ Royal London One-Day Cup campaign due to his involvement in the Indian Premier League with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Had the Sunrisers lost their qualifier with Kolkata Knight Riders yesterday (Friday), Hales would have flown home today to play for the Outlaws against Warwickshire tomorrow.
But with his IPL side having reached tomorrow’s final against the Chennai Super Kings, the right-hander will instead return to England following the conclusion of that match to be available for the Outlaws’ final three North Group games.
“Alex has been following our results all the way through and saying well done to the lads when they’ve won the games, and he’s looking forward to playing with us,” said Moores.
“He will be able to have a couple of hits in the nets and will then be in the squad for the Worcestershire game. It’s great to have him back because we all know what a quality player he is.”
“The fact Alex is coming to us straight from a white-ball tournament, albeit in the shorter 20-over format, means he should come back ready to go.”
Hales was part of the Outlaws squad to win the Royal London One-Day Cup last summer, scoring 434 runs in seven matches.
The pick of his contributions was a Lords’ one-day best 187 not out in the final against Surrey at Lord’s.
Moores added: “He had a great tournament for us last year, including that brilliant century in the final, and he has plenty of white ball experience which can help us.
“The fact he’s coming to us straight from a white-ball tournament, albeit in the shorter 20-over format, means he should come back ready to go.
“With the way the lads have been performing, his return makes for some tough decisions in terms of selection, but it’s a nice headache to have.”
*************
Entry is just £1 to all for the Notts Outlaws v Warwickshire Royal London One-Day Cup match and Family Fun Day at Trent Bridge tomorrow, starting at 11am. Secure your tickets here.