Ben Stokes coy on Alex Hales' England recall: "We've both got the same goal... to win World Cups"

Hales has been recalled by England for the T20 World Cup, three years after he last played international cricket

Ben Stokes has provided a lukewarm response to news of Alex Hales' recall to the England T20 side.

Stokes, England's Test captain, and Hales were once friends but drifted apart in the aftermath of the incident in Bristol that saw Stokes tried – and cleared - on the charge of affray. Hales subsequently missed the 2019 World Cup campaign after failing two tests for recreational drugs and failing to impress in the Caribbean a few months ahead of the tournament.

His form in T20 leagues around the world has remained generally good, though. In particular, he has enjoyed a success in the Big Bash – he is the tournament's top run-scorer over the last three season – and, with Jonny Bairstow ruled out of the T20 World Cup through injury, England were in the market for a top-order batter. While Will Jacks was among the other options, he has a modest record in Australia, averaging 9.87 in the Big Bash.

But while Stokes was happy to acknowledge Hales' abilities on the pitch, referring to him as "definitely one of the best T20 players in the world", he was less effusive when asked about the pair’s personal relationship.

"At the end of the day, everyone's goal is to win that World Cup for England," Stokes said. "My goal, Alex's goal and everyone else's goal who is part of that squad is to win the World Cup.

^{Alex Hales was part of the Trent Rockets side that won The Hundred (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

"Alex is definitely one of the best T20 players in the world and unfortunately with what happened with Jonny we had to call another player up. And Alex is definitely one of the guys that bowlers don't want to be bowling at in the T20 format. Everyone's goal is to win World Cups.

"When it comes down to the big moments in games and World Cup games, knockout games, you want your best players there to be taking that pressure on and he certainly is one of those."

So far, so good. But when asked about his personal relationship with Hales and whether they had spoken recently, Stokes limited himself to saying: "We've both got the same goal: to win World Cups."

Given Stokes' seniority within the England set-up, it seems unthinkable that he was not consulted before Hales' recall was confirmed. And there seems little doubt the pair will be able to work together for the weeks they are in Australia. But he was more effusive in praise of Bairstow.

"I'm devastated for him with the summer he's had and the World Cup coming up," he said. "It's really unfortunate timing, but he can be really proud of what he's achieved this summer. He's been one of the main reasons that we've had such a successful summer. He's been the catalyst of the revival and he should definitely hold his head high. He should be very proud of what he's done in this England team.

^{Ben Stokes spoke glowingly of Harry Brook ahead of his Test debut (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

"He's been a massive reason as to why we've had such a successful summer. It was a freak accident; our Glenn McGrath stepping on the ball in 2005 moment."

There were also warm words for Harry Brook, who wins his Test debut at The Kia Oval in place of Bairstow.

"Harry has definitely earned the call-up," Stokes said. "It's been a long summer for him, in squads and travelling around the country. I'm really looking forward to seeing him play. Playing in the middle order is what he is used to. The style he goes about things is exactly what we want in that middle order. Jonny has set the tone, style and manner in which the middle order likes to play. I think we get a like-for-like replacement with the aggressive intent and the positive way he wants to show off his skills.

"Harry is someone who has been spoken about a lot as representing England going forward. He deserved his opportunity to be in the squad initially and he deserves his opportunity this week. I think I mentioned a few weeks ago he will be someone who represents England in all three formats for a long time.

"How did he take his call up? He just went: 'Yeah.' He's obviously going to be pretty excited but he's pretty chilled and laid back. He's been working on his 'offies' [off-breaks] as well, so he made sure to tell me: 'Watch this.'

"I said: 'You're in the team for your batting mate; don't worry about that.'"

Related Topics

• England recall Alex Hales to end three-year exile