Hales called up to Big Bash action

By Dave Bracegirdle

England’s Alex Hales has been signed up by the Melbourne Renegades for the closing days of the Big Bash League. The Nottinghamshire opener is flying to Australia to replace the injured Marlon Samuels as the Renegades’ second overseas player alongside Muttiah Muralitharan.

Samuels will play no further part in the tournament after top-edging a delivery from Lasith Malinga into his eye-socket during the Renegades' heated contest against the Melbourne Stars on Sunday.

Hales, who celebrated his 24th birthday earlier this week, has become something of a Twenty20 specialist having now played 14 matches for England in that format.

"The contact from Melbourne Renegades came out of the blue but it's a great opportunity to join a team who are flying in the competition," said Hales. "I've played a lot of cricket recently and I feel in good nick so hopefully I can make a difference."

Renegades coach Simon Helmot was pleased to secure a quality replacement. “He’s just turned 24 but he’s already an accomplished T20 batsman who has taken apart international attacks all over the world," he said.

“We’re delighted to have him on board for the remainder of the season and have full confidence he can get the job done at the top of the Renegades’ order.”

The Renegades have already qualified for the semi-final phase of the competition but have one group match – against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Wednesday January 9 – to play first.

Should the side advance to the final of the Big Bash then Hales is likely to miss one match of the Bangladesh Premier League, where he has signed to play for the Duronto Rajshahi franchise.

Hales’ busy schedule will then see him join up with the senior England squad for the t20 series in New Zealand in mid-February before he returns to Australia as a member of the England Lions party which tours there from February 16 until March 1.




Date: 08/01/2013 11:16:00 by Dave Bracegirdle
In: Today | Nottinghamshire | England |