Graeme Swann blasts Alex Hales "stupidity" after World Cup deselection

Just days after the announcement of his withdrawal, Hales won a Caribbean Premier League deal in the tournament's draft

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Former England spinner Graeme Swann has criticised England outcast Alex Hales, saying that he hopes he realises what he’s missing.

Hales was dropped from England’s World Cup squad after it emerged that he had failed a second recreational drugs test.

Speaking to the Nottingham Post, the former Nottinghamshire man described the actions of the county’s current player as “stupidity”. Captain Eoin Morgan added that he had shown “complete disregard” for the team’s culture.

“I hope it's absolutely killing him,” Swann said of Hales’ response to being deselected from Morgan’s 15-man squad. “Whether it is or not, I'm not sure.

“He shouldn't be in the squad. He's got himself to blame for that. I'm quite blown away by his stupidity just before a World Cup, or even during his playing career to be honest.

“Hopefully it's the kick up the backside he needs to realise he has to make the most of his career. He has to knock these things on the head.”

Just days after the announcement of his withdrawal, Caribbean Premier League franchise the Barbados Tridents made Hales their first pick in the draft for the tournament which begins on 4 September.

He admitted that he was viewing the competition as an opportunity to get back into the international fold.

“One of my aims is that T20 World Cup,” he said. “I’m going to go through the process and hopefully score some runs in this tournament.

“I think it’s a good opportunity really. These tournaments now are well-respected all around the world. I’d love to use this tournament to get back into the frame.”

Our coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is brought to you in association with Cricket 19, the official video game of the Ashes. Pre-order your copy now at Amazon.co.uk

 

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