Monday 18 August 2014 22:55, UK
Alex Hales is hoping to seize his chance after being named in England’s 15-man squad to face India in the ODI series.
Hales been called up to the ODI squad for the first time after some impressive performances for Nottinghamshire.
The 25-year-old hit a brilliant 141 from 96 balls against Middlesex last Thursday following an impressive century for England Lions against Sri Lanka A at Taunton last week.
With the World Cup looming in Australia and New Zealand early next year, Hales looks set to be given the opportunity to cement his place as captain Alastair Cook's opening partner in the forthcoming five-match limited-overs series, which starts in Bristol on August 25.
“I’ve worked really hard this year on my Red Bull cricket and the longer form of the game in 50 overs ,” Hales told Sky Sports News HQ.
“I’m pleased I’ve managed to hit form at the right time and hopefully I can carry that on into the ODI series.
“I’ve played 30-odd T20 internationals now, so I know what international cricket is about; all the pressure that comes with it and hopefully I can thrive under it.”
England currently have plenty of attack options at their disposal and Hales has high hopes for the future of the side.
“I think we saw from the Lions series there are some really aggressive players, James Vince, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow had a great series as well and little James Taylor scored a 100.
“If you look around there is really a lot of young talent, I think it is an exciting time for English cricket.”
Fellow batsman Eoin Morgan is looking forward to playing in the same England side as Hales.
“Alex is an outstanding player and he has had a fantastic year. He has proven in Twenty20 international cricket that when he does get himself in he can be so destructive.
“He shows glimpses of guys I’ve played with – guys like Kevin Pietersen that can also in similar fashion take a game away from a side.
“Alex stakes a claim to be in the side and he puts a hell of a case forward to play. I love playing with him, he is a genuine guy and can be quite funny at times, but his cricket is second to none.”
