(Photo: Getty Images)
By Harvey Burgess
Alex Hales is in line to be recalled for the upcoming three-match ODI series in the West Indies.
The 28-year-old batsman, who suffered a broken bone in his right hand during the ODI series in India, will have a scan on Monday which is expected to give him the all-clear. Hales will then fly out and join the squad in Antigua as they undergo their preparations.
He will face considerable competition for his place from Sam Billings, who started the final ODI in India and will play in the two warm-up matches next week.
Hales has one particular advantage in that he has developed a strong partnership with other opener Jason Roy, but the England selectors will be keen to find a way to include Billings in the side.
Hales scored three ODI centuries last year, against Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka, and averages 36.35 across 40 matches in his career to date.
He missed the tour of Bangladesh due to concerns over security as England won the one-day series 2-1 but played in the unsuccessful tour of India.
England face the West Indies Cricket Board President’s XI in St Kitts on Saturday and Monday before the first ODI in Antigua on Friday.
