Published: May 02, 2014, 09:25 PM (IST)
Edited: May 02, 2014, 09:25 PM (IST)
London: May 2, 2014
Worcestershire have signed England Twenty20 opening batsman Alex Hales on loan from Nottinghamshire as cover for Moeen Ali ahead of his upcoming absence on England duty.
Ali, a top-order batsman and off-spinner, has retained his place in England’s squad for next week’s one-day international against Scotland in Aberdeen and Worcestershire have responded by bringing in Hales from Midlands rivals Nottinghamshire where he is currently surplus to requirements in four-day County Championship cricket.
The 25-year-old averaged just 13.94 in 10 Championship appearances last season, with only two half-centuries, while he made 61 and a duck against Lancashire earlier this season. “Everyone at New Road is delighted that Moeen has been selected for England in the fixture against Scotland,” Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said Friday.
“To lose a player of his quality is a blow to the team but to replace him with a loan player who is currently ranked as the number three T20 batsman in the world is a major coup for the club,” the former England wicketkeeper added. “He is keen to show his abilities in the four-day format and impress the national selectors.”
Hales is set to make his debut against Glamorgan this Sunday. His availability to face Essex from May 18 will depend on England commitments but he should be free to play in the Championship games against Kent from May 25 and Surrey the following week. England are set to play Sri Lanka in five ODIs and one Twenty20 international between May 20 and June 3.
