This isn’t redemption: England hero Hales

Alex Hales thought he’d never play for England again.

But he doesn’t want his T20 World Cup heroics scripted as a redemption tale.

Hales propelled his nation into Sunday night’s cup decider against Pakistan with a unbeaten 86 in England’s 10-wicket semi-final romp over India.

His feats – seven sixes, four fours, just 47 balls faced – came after he’d spent more than three and a half years out of the England set-up.

Hales tested positive for a banned recreational drug for a second time in 2019 and was dumped from England’s 50-over World Cup squad.

And Hales, who was also present during Ben Stokes’ 2017 Bristol brawl, believed his playing cards had been marked forever.

Just two months ago, he returned to T20 internationals – he was exiled from March 10, 2019 to September 20 this year.

But redemption?

“I don’t think so, no,” Hales said.

“That is not what is on my mind.

“To be honest, I am just enjoying my cricket, enjoying being back in the England shirt.

“And that (redemption) is not why I play the game.

“I just want to enjoy myself and play at the highest level.”

Nor does Hales rate Thursday night’s smash hit in Adelaide a release of years of frustration at being overlooked.

“It’s not really on my mind when I am out there in the middle,” he said.

“I am just playing with a smile on my face in an England shirt again.

“And if I get a chance to leave with a World Cup medal it would be very, very special.”

In Adelaide, India set England 169 runs to win.

Hales and Jos Buttler reached 0-170 from 16 overs of sheer batting brilliance – the skipper made 80no from 49 balls.

They shattered not only India, but also T20 international records: it was the highest partnership in World Cup history, and England’s highest opening stand and second-largest overall in the format.

“To win by 10 wickets and do something special with Jos at the top of the order is as good as it gets in cricket,” Hales said.