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.
