Alex Hales produced what he described as a "perfect innings" to guide England into the T20 World Cup final, having admitted he "never thought I'd play in a World Cup again".
Hales was drafted into England's squad as an injury replacement for Jonny Bairstow, ending an international exile which lasted almost three years after he failed a second recreational drugs test on the eve of the 2019 50-over World Cup.
And after a lacklustre start to the tournament with scores of 19 and seven against Afghanistan and Ireland, Hales has now come to the fore in three must-win games for England. He struck 52 and 47 in their final two Super 12 clashes against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, before producing a masterclass in the stunning semi-final victory over India.
He shared an incredible unbeaten 170-run opening partnership with captain Jos Buttler and was rightly named player of the match. "I never thought I'd play in a World Cup again so this is so special," Hales admitted after the game.
"It's one of the best nights of my career. This would be right up there for me as my perfect innings. India in the semi-final, big occasion, I'm so happy with how I played, it's special."
It was a truly emphatic win and former England bowler Jonathan Agnew stated they had "taught India a lesson". Speaking on BBC Test Match Special, he said: "That will have to go down as one of England's finest T20 efforts.
"They've won it before but it has to. It is a really outstanding win. England have taught India a lesson there quite frankly, especially with the way they've batted."
And former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who was part of the squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2010, stated that India are "not even close to this England side."
He said: "I don't know how India got above England in being favourites for this game. England are a cut above India. They are not even close to this England side."
