Alex Hales has been branded the "perfect fit at the right time" for England as they bid to win the T20 World Cup.
Hales has returned to the side after an absence of more than three years after he failed a second recreational drugs test. The 33-year-old made his first appearance since March 2019 in the first T20I against Pakistan in Karachi and top scored with 53 as England completed a six-wicket win.
And former England captain Nasser Hussain believes Hales' return majorly strengthens England's chances of winning the World Cup with Jonny Bairstow out injured and Jason Roy dropped after struggling to find form.
"I've never been worried about the battling leading up to Australia with the pitches out there and the experience having Hales come in," Hussain told Sky Sports. "It would have been a problem if we didn't have Hales.
"I'd say, because you've got Jason Roy out of nick and Jonny Bairstow injured, so you're looking at the top of the order. Who's going to open with Buttler?
"I love Hales coming back in. He's the perfect fit at the right time coming in now just before a World Cup."
Hales described his return as "a dream come true", admitting it "felt like a debut again" after spending so much time away from international cricket. "It was a very special feeling to be back on the park for England," Hales said.
"Three years felt like forever. To go out and score 50 on my return in a winning team is the stuff dreams are made of. It is a nice feeling.
"Guys said in the past it was never down to cricket, missing the three years, that was never in doubt. But there was always nerves and pressure coming back after three years having not played.
"It felt like a debut again, so it was a very special night. It just feels like a dream come true to contribute with a half-century in a winning team in a country where I have a lot of good, special memories feels fantastic."
