Eoin Morgan has heaped praise on Alex Hales after two explosive innings helped fire England into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
And on a good looking surface with conditions to suit, Morgan would be delighted if Hales could spark once more against India to send England into the final on Sunday. It is a generous turnaround from the former skipper who would not pick Hales in his side as a matter of trust following his axing on the eve of the 2019 World Cup for a recreational drugs ban.
And Hales neither regained that trust nor could force his way past the likes of Jason Roy or Jonny Bairstow and back into the side while Morgan was captain.
But after swapping his bat for a microphone to become an engaging Sky Cricket pundit, he is full of admiration for the way Hales has returned to England colours, scoring 52 against New Zealand and 47 against Sri Lanka in must win games.
“I have been impressed with Alex,” said Morgan. “Both times in the tournament he has performed, it was in key periods of the game.
“The fifth over against New Zealand at the Gabba where he took Southee on was a crucial moment because Jos hadn't faced a lot of balls at that stage. Alex took on that responsibility and executed it.
“And then at the SCG he was outstanding. I don't think Sri Lanka bowled all that well to him. But still some of the shots were unbelievable. That on drive for six down the ground was an incredible shot. He's done brilliantly.
“I suppose the only thing that's changed between the transition from one captain to the other is that Jos has had the bad end of the stick with injuries, so it's a completely different circumstance. But yeah, everybody's happy for him.
“Which is important. Not only for the team, but for him. And for the semi-final the pitch looks good, the weather looks good, so I expect things to be back to normal for how England are set up.”
Morgan was always an ice-cool character as England captain, but the intensity was there, even in press conferences when he could give anyone short shrift. Now he cuts a far more relaxed figure, and in Adelaide where his Australian wife and family are based with him, he is clearly enjoying life, even if the venue reminds him of a more difficult time.
It was here that Bangladesh put England out of a miserable 2015 World Cup at the group stage which prompted his white-ball revolution…if he was allowed to lead it.
“This ground still reminds me of 2015,” he added. “And 2015 was horrible for me but it played such a significant role in my ideas, my thoughts, my leadership.
“I think those sorts of moments or scars or learnings are really important to try and drive things on. The same will be the case from the semi-final loss last year in the UAE to here. That learning will be significant.”
And what about missing out on the action after a career that took in 10 semi-finals and finals in white ball cricket for England? “There's not one bit of me that wants to play in that game on Thursday or even play on Sunday,” said the 36-year-old.
“Not one bit. I’ve loved being here as a cricket fan and just being able to watch it all and be close to it, but enjoy the great view and see all the angles. I'm really proud sitting back and watching England continue to play positively and test the limits and be regarded as one of the best and handle that with ease.”
Watch England's ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final against India exclusively live on Sky Sports Cricket on Thursday with build-up from 7am
