The England cricket team defeated Sri Lanka in the limited-overs international series at home and are all set to play another limited-overs series against Pakistan starting from July 8.
On Tuesday, the England Cricket Board reported that seven members from the England contingent for the Pakistan series have tested positive for Covid-19. All the members are currently in isolation as the rest were deemed as close contacts. The England board announced a new fresh squad, with Ben stokes as the skipper. The squad includes nine uncapped players. However, Alex Hales, England’s opening batsman has again been left out.
Former England Batsman Michael Vaughan expressed his frustration over Alex Hales’ non-selection. He tweeted:
“So No Alex Hales … that must be the end of his international career then … find it very sad that someone who made a huge mistake but was punished can’t be given another go … we all mistakes every week … !!! Those that say they don’t are lying … #OnOn”
So No Alex Hales … that must be the end of his international career then … find it very sad that someone who made a huge mistake but was punished can’t be given another go … we all mistakes every week … !!! Those that say they don’t are lying … #OnOn
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 6, 2021
Alex Hales’ exclusion has left the fans upset as tweets started pouring in, criticizing the English team.
Alex Hales couldn't get a place in England's new ODI squad despite there being 9 uncapped players. Time and time again he's proven he still belongs to the English team, but no chances yet for him.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/rajdeep189/status/1412349970833838097?s=20
Alex Hales https://t.co/mShFXBfnL2 pic.twitter.com/BASAqeZJks
— Shantanu Shrivastava (@DaKingInDaNorff) July 6, 2021
Alex Hales? 🤧
— Chris Hughes (@chrishughes_22) July 6, 2021
Alex Hales in T20 in 2021:-
Matches :- 24
Runs :- 883
Average :- 44.2
Strike Rate:- 167.8
100/50 :- 2/4
Highest:- 110It is Surprising to See, He is Still Not been Selected even After Main Players Are not Available For their Team. Politics Ruined his Career. #ENGvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/wz14LL4sPk
— Prajjwal Mishra (@Prajjwal295) July 6, 2021
England’s 18 member squad for the Pakistan series
Ben Stokes will lead the 18-member squad against Pakistan. Stokes will play his first international match after recovering from the injury. He fractured his left index finger while playing for the Rajasthan Royals.
ECB‘s Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison said:
“Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to Captain. We also recognize the impact this news will have on our First-Class Counties and their Men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic.”
England’s squad for the limited-overs series against Pakistan: Ben Stokes (C), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince.
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