Hales draws comfort from BBL success ahead of World Cup

Explosive England opener Alex Hales has drawn comfort from his past success in Australia, knowing he has "the game and the record" to hit form at any point at the T20 World Cup.

The biggest factor in Hales being selected ahead of Phil Salt to open the batting alongside Jos Buttler for the recent T20 series win over Australia was because of his reputation in the Big Bash League.

Hales has amassed 1857 runs at an average of 33.16 in the competition but it is his strike-rate that truly sets him apart.

No-one with 1000 runs or more has a strike-rate better than Hales' 151.34 in his BBL career with several teams.

He hit the ground running in Australia following his recent international recall with 84 off 51 balls in Perth, which is where England start their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday.

While he has had three single-figure scores since then – albeit one in a low-key practice match against Pakistan earlier this week – Hales believes his history Down Under acts as a bit of a safety blanket.

"It is just nice knowing I have proved myself in these conditions," he said.

"I know if things don't happen for me straight away I have the game and record to bounce back at any point in the tournament.

"My biggest thing is I just want to enjoy it. It is a chance I didn't think I would get again. I will play with a smile and hopefully perform as well."

Hales was referring to his three-and-a-half-year international exile, which ended last month, having been discarded on the eve of the 2019 ODI World Cup after failing a second recreational drugs test.

The incident threatened to derail England's campaign - although they went on to emerge triumphant.

England have been dealt a blow this time with the loss of Reece Topley to a tournament-ending ankle injury.

Tymal Mills was one of England's three travelling reserves but has now been brought into England's 15-strong squad to replace Topley, with Luke Wood summoned to join the back-up group.

"He is excellent T20 operator," Hales said of Mills. "He has very good skills - a very skilful and deceiving slower ball - and can bowl 90mph-plus. He is a huge asset to have in our side."