Custom Bats Cricket Forum
General Cricket => Players => Topic started by: LEACHY48 on April 20, 2019, 09:14:36 PM
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Missing game due to personal reasons, anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this?
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He’s done a John terry and slept with a team mates girlfriend
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He’s done a John terry and slept with a team mates girlfriend
It wouldn't surprise me... How will it affect his WC hopes I wonder
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I heard he'd cheated on his Mrs in Barbados and she finished it and flew home,
Didn't realise it was a team mates gf
His interview recently he mentioned making stupid decisions and he was working on not doing so anymore
I wonder if this is substance related?
Although the BBC article says only high level notts employees know, the ecb doesn't and he's expected to report to the training camp this week
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Think the women he cheated on was Jake Ball’s sister. Not sure that has anything to do with it...
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I heard he'd cheated on his Mrs in Barbados and she finished it and flew home,
Didn't realise it was a team mates gf
His interview recently he mentioned making stupid decisions and he was working on not doing so anymore
I wonder if this is substance related?
Although the BBC article says only high level notts employees know, the ecb doesn't and he's expected to report to the training camp this week
One of my mates has a very good source inside the England camp who has said he has checked himself into rehab for substance abuse, likes a bit of Charlie I've heard, could all be rubbish of course but I am very Inclined to believe it
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Hales is in danger of throwing away his England career here which would be a real shame.
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Hales is in danger of throwing away his England career here which would be a real shame.
In terms of wasting talent, perhaps, but in ever other sense I'd be glad to see the back of him.... He's a total Johnson. He's crickets equivalent of Danny cipriani
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In terms of wasting talent, perhaps, but in ever other sense I'd be glad to see the back of him.... He's a total Johnson. He's crickets equivalent of Danny cipriani
So you actually know the guy well do you?
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So you actually know the guy well do you?
Where is the emoji for eye roll.... Any person who is in such a privalleged position like him that goes round cheating on his missus, snorting a load of drugs and getting into drunken fights instead of playing cricket is a tit in my book. If anyone wants to read a book on wasting your talent and career by being a moron then just read the summary of Alex Hales career. He has made it pretty clear for anyone to see, but as it happens I have met him a few times yes, he seemed like a n0b then too
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If he's anything like his brother, who I've played alongside, he's going to be the worst bloke on pitch at all times.
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If he's anything like his brother, who I've played alongside, he's going to be the worst bloke on pitch at all times.
You're not the first and won't be the last to say that about him.... By all accounts except golders he is just a bit of a helmet... But I can't say that cause I haven't been round his gaff for dinner
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Alex Hales is an a-hole. His behavior on the pitch is a-hole behavior. I am not surprised if he is in trouble for a-hole-ry. He is talented, I won't deny it but it takes a lot of polishing to turn that talent into something. He is an a-hole and has chosen to remain an a-hole.
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Alex Hales is an a-hole. His behavior on the pitch is a-hole behavior. I am not surprised if he is in trouble for a-hole-ry. He is talented, I won't deny it but it takes a lot of polishing to turn that talent into something. He is an a-hole and has chosen to remain an a-hole.
This x100
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So is this the end of Hales in an England shirt, with Roy and bairstow firmly cemented in the top, with root at 3, an Hales being Hales, is there a place for him?
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I thought you were invited to Hales’s gaff for a BBQ Leachy but you had something else on? Lol
Ok so he is a tit. So was KP. Big deal, get over it and read tomorrow’s tabloids... (eye roll emoji)
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I thought you were invited to Hales’s gaff for a BBQ Leachy but you had something else on? Lol
Ok so he is a tit. So was KP. Big deal, get over it and read tomorrow’s tabloids... (eye roll emoji)
No thanks. I prefer the independent myself. KPs career was ended because people thought he was a tit. Same should happen to Hales
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No thanks. I prefer the independent myself. KPs career was ended because people thought he was a tit. Same should happen to Hales
Tbf, most of them are £&63*()£(.. stokes being another prime example. Then add in the WhatsApp gang etc etc
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Tbf, most of them are £&63*()£(.. stokes being another prime example. Then add in the WhatsApp gang etc etc
Completely agree on hales, met him twice through a friend. He’s one of those people that you hope if you sat down and had lunch with him and a chat that he’d be a nice guy. Unfortunately he’s in a constant state of teenage ‘showing off for his friends’
I do however think the Criticism of the ‘what’s app gang’ is harsh. If Alex Hepburn raped that girl he absolutely deserves what he’s got and justice has been done but can you really criticise 4 lads in their early 20s for having a competition to see who can sleep with more people? I mean it’s clearly juvenile but it’s standard behaviour you’d find in any group of single 20 something’s.
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One of my mates has a very good source inside the England camp who has said he has checked himself into rehab for substance abuse, likes a bit of Charlie I've heard, could all be rubbish of course but I am very Inclined to believe it
If that's true i hope he gets the help he needs.
He night be an ass but he's played some wonderful one day innings for England and I'd rather have him in the squad than not!
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Bloody hell lads, England cricketer takes a break from the game citing personal reasons shortly before a home world cup and this is the response? I know nothing about it obviously but hope he's alright and getting whatever help he needs.
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Bloody hell lads, England cricketer takes a break from the game citing personal reasons shortly before a home world cup and this is the response? I know nothing about it obviously but hope he's alright and getting whatever help he needs.
Well said Edge. We do love to sit in Judgement here at times don’t we? (Shaking head emoji)
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Ultimately if you are going to willingly be a high profile person in the public eye, you have to expect judgement and scrutiny. Police officers get judged for every action by Joe public, and for a far lower salary than Hales, and every other cricketer who's acted like a tit. It's not a difficult gig, play a sport you love, get paid millions, and all that's asked in return is you don't act like a tit. On multiple occasions Hales has failed in this regard. That's why he gets judged. If you stick your head above the parapet you have to expect to get shot at. Ultimately this is a public forum made for expressing opinions and views. 'Sitting in judgement' (also known as sharing an opinion) is the sole purpose of forums like this.
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You would’ve thought hales learnt from Bristol last year - got off scott free kicking someone in the head
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That’s your choice to judge him;
It’s also your choice to jump on the bandwagon and slate a guy you don’t even really know.
I’m not defending Hales- but I don’t know the full story- and neither do you.
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Difficult to call anyone anything unless you know them imo. If it's substance related then hopefully he'll get the help needed. If it's that he's cheated on his partner, then he won't be the first or last and the fact he's in a privileged position getting paid to play a game we all love, doesn't mean he's not human and won't make mistakes. Not saying any of it is right, but just saying he's only human. Non of us are perfect, but we sometimes expect this from our sports people and won't accept anything less. Tit or not, he's a human and therefore imperfect like the rest. If he keeps making mistakes or is just a tit, then he'll run out of chances afforded to him by the people who know him.
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I don’t know the whole story either, but I’m also not stupid. A thin escape from a fracas and kicking someone in the head in Bristol to tabloid fodder in the Windies.
Smacks of having all the opportunities in the world and ballsing them up.
Perhaps a little break away would suit, playing for England is a privilege, not a right.
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Difficult to call anyone anything unless you know them imo. If it's substance related then hopefully he'll get the help needed. If it's that he's cheated on his partner, then he won't be the first or last and the fact he's in a privileged position getting paid to play a game we all love, doesn't mean he's not human and won't make mistakes. Not saying any of it is right, but just saying he's only human. Non of us are perfect, but we sometimes expect this from our sports people and won't accept anything less. Tit or not, he's a human and therefore imperfect like the rest. If he keeps making mistakes or is just a tit, then he'll run out of chances afforded to him by the people who know him.
Well said Jonny.
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That’s your choice to judge him;
It’s also your choice to jump on the bandwagon and slate a guy you don’t even really know.
I’m not defending Hales- but I don’t know the full story- and neither do you.
This holier than thou attitude is pretty boring tbh. I think you need to re-evaluate your interpretation of jumping on the bandwagon...I started the thread and set my stool out with my stance before anyone else did....not really jumping on the bandwagon.
I know enough of the guy having met him on several occasions, having seen his actions, and having mates who have a relationship with him, to know that the bloke is the quintessential 'fur-lined ocean, going balls up' to quote grand designs.
Yes, it is my choice to judge him, just like you are judging me for having an opinion on him. Once again, the holier than thou approach proves to be a little hypocritical.
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Let’s agree to disagree shall we? You are entitled to your opinion- as am I.
Happy Easter.
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Personally, I think he’s proving to be everything English professional cricket really doesn’t need at this time
It’s happened in the past with players, it’s human nature,,,,but with the amount of scrutiny these days afforded to those in the public eye,,,the blokes a complete tool.
He needs to grow up, accept the fact he’s chosen to be in this position and accept whatever help is afforded to him, and come back and EARN the right to play for his country
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Personally, I think he’s proving to be everything English professional cricket really doesn’t need at this time
It’s happened in the past with players, it’s human nature,,,,but with the amount of scrutiny these days afforded to those in the public eye,,,the blokes a complete tool.
He needs to grow up, accept the fact he’s chosen to be in this position and accept whatever help is afforded to him, and come back and EARN the right to play for his country
From a psychological point of view this is interesting I guess. But I am concerned for his mental health now- especially with people who don’t know him jumping all over him. The press, county management, England management, players- and now us.
I’m not an idiot either- Hales has himself admitted to having made “mediocre”decisions consistently over a period of time- it sounds like the penny might be dropping, but it could be too late for him now, given the timing
I take no enjoyment from this saga whatsoever. What I don’t like is when people take a kind of pleasure in other people’s misfortune.
Hales only plays white ball- he placed his eggs in one basket (his choice) After making the decision to go white ball only- things have gone pretty pear-shaped for him- Much of that is his own making granted.
It’s a World Cup year. He knows he has messed up and is probably struggling to come to terms with it.
Maybe- maybe- he is self-medicating to numb the pain? It’s pure speculation. Being in the papers for the wrong reasons will make it ten times worse.
To me from the outside, it looks like Hales is on a downward spiral. The timing can’t be much worse though, with the World Cup round the corner. Hales is 30 years old- he should be at his peak as a professional cricketer.
Will he be able to sort himself out in a few days? Who knows. He probably won’t play unless someone gets injured.
Hales also lost his place after the fracas- Stokes got his place back- Hales probably thinks that’s unfair. Luckily for Stokes, he appears untouchable- despite being pretty average recently.
I can also understand us as England fans getting angry and upset with our players.
This is an unwelcome distraction from what can still be a great summer for English cricket. Time will tell- fingers crossed.
This summer is going to be full of great drama!
The World Cup- on home soil with England as favourites. The competition is full of sides who can beat anyone on their day.
Then there is The Ashes- and the return of Smith and Warner.
Hopefully the focus will be on the cricket.
I for one will back our side 100%- always!
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From a psychological point of view this is interesting I guess. But I am concerned for his mental health now- especially with people who don’t know him jumping all over him. The press, county management, England management, players- and now us.
I’m not an idiot either- Hales has himself admitted to having made “mediocre”decisions consistently over a period of time- it sounds like the penny might be dropping, but it could be too late for him now, given the timing
I take no enjoyment from this saga whatsoever. What I don’t like is when people take a kind of pleasure in other people’s misfortune.
Hales only plays white ball- he placed his eggs in one basket (his choice) After making the decision to go white ball only- things have gone pretty pear-shaped for him- Much of that is his own making granted.
It’s a World Cup year. He knows he has messed up and is probably struggling to come to terms with it.
Maybe- maybe- he is self-medicating to numb the pain? It’s pure speculation. Being in the papers for the wrong reasons will make it ten times worse.
To me from the outside, it looks like Hales is on a downward spiral. The timing can’t be much worse though, with the World Cup round the corner. Hales is 30 years old- he should be at his peak as a professional cricketer.
Will he be able to sort himself out in a few days? Who knows. He probably won’t play unless someone gets injured.
Hales also lost his place after the fracas- Stokes got his place back- Hales probably thinks that’s unfair. Luckily for Stokes, he appears untouchable- despite being pretty average recently.
I can also understand us as England fans getting angry and upset with our players.
This is an unwelcome distraction from what can still be a great summer for English cricket. Time will tell- fingers crossed.
This summer is going to be full of great drama!
The World Cup- on home soil with England as favourites. The competition is full of sides who can beat anyone on their day.
Then there is The Ashes- and the return of Smith and Warner.
Hopefully the focus will be on the cricket.
I for one will back our side 100%- always!
In other words you're calling a spade a 'hand held gardening utensil'.
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Tough one really for me. The green eyes envious monster thinks he is in a position I would love to be in, to be playing a game I love and being paid a kings ransom as well. But he will no doubt have given up lots in the past to be in this position and he is as human as any of us and can make mistakes just like us but we only get judges by friends and family whereas Hales has that plus the worlds cricket fans.
If it’s substance abuse it’s wrong but he isn’t the first to become addicted to something and hope he can get help and won’t be judged long term and can rebuild his career and then maybe help up and coming players as I know the ECB work hard on supporting up and coming players adjust to fame and fortune.
If it’s adultery than again it’s totally wrong but it happens all the time and just hope there are no children involved and both parties move on to the next stage in there lives.
For sure though england are a better squad with a fit and mentally fit Alex Hales in the ranks than without him
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From a psychological point of view this is interesting I guess. But I am concerned for his mental health now- especially with people who don’t know him jumping all over him. The press, county management, England management, players- and now us.
I’m not an idiot either- Hales has himself admitted to having made “mediocre”decisions consistently over a period of time- it sounds like the penny might be dropping, but it could be too late for him now, given the timing
I take no enjoyment from this saga whatsoever. What I don’t like is when people take a kind of pleasure in other people’s misfortune.
Hales only plays white ball- he placed his eggs in one basket (his choice) After making the decision to go white ball only- things have gone pretty pear-shaped for him- Much of that is his own making granted.
It’s a World Cup year. He knows he has messed up and is probably struggling to come to terms with it.
Maybe- maybe- he is self-medicating to numb the pain? It’s pure speculation. Being in the papers for the wrong reasons will make it ten times worse.
To me from the outside, it looks like Hales is on a downward spiral. The timing can’t be much worse though, with the World Cup round the corner. Hales is 30 years old- he should be at his peak as a professional cricketer.
Will he be able to sort himself out in a few days? Who knows. He probably won’t play unless someone gets injured.
Hales also lost his place after the fracas- Stokes got his place back- Hales probably thinks that’s unfair. Luckily for Stokes, he appears untouchable- despite being pretty average recently.
I can also understand us as England fans getting angry and upset with our players.
This is an unwelcome distraction from what can still be a great summer for English cricket. Time will tell- fingers crossed.
This summer is going to be full of great drama!
The World Cup- on home soil with England as favourites. The competition is full of sides who can beat anyone on their day.
Then there is The Ashes- and the return of Smith and Warner.
Hopefully the focus will be on the cricket.
I for one will back our side 100%- always!
Just for the record, Hales 'self medicating' isn't a new thing.
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Leachy it sounds like you have a rap sheet of Hales’ indiscretions sat in front of you! Lol
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Leachy it sounds like you have a rap sheet of Hales’ indiscretions sat in front of you! Lol
once again, I have friends who know people very close to him. Most of his indiscretions are fairly public affairs (pardon the pun) anyway.
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Friend of mine works for ECB and has been out and about with the players for drinks on a few occasions celebrating. Doesnt have a good word to say about Hales, my mate also spoke in a bit more depth about the whole Stokes affair and how Hales didnt cover himself in glory there. Apparently he left Stokes high and dry and basically ran away and kept quiet about it all for a couple of days
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Friend of mine works for ECB and has been out and about with the players for drinks on a few occasions celebrating. Doesnt have a good word to say about Hales, my mate also spoke in a bit more depth about the whole Stokes affair and how Hales didnt cover himself in glory there. Apparently he left Stokes high and dry and basically ran away and kept quiet about it all for a couple of days
The ECB only have themselves to blame for this mess. Both Stokes and Hales have been totally out of control for half a decade. Cocaine, drinking during games, repeated drink-driving, serial adultery including with team-mates partners, circulating obscene images, fights, assaults - and rather than confront the situation, the ECB turn a blind other and instead expend their efforts covering it up and keeping it out of the papers. Its a miracle the lengths they went to to keep Stokes out of jail.
Compare and contrast to how Ulster and Irish rugby dealt with Paddy Jackson and his cronies. Found not guilty, but still told in no uncertain terms to find new careers as they'd never play professional rugby again. If only the ECB had that level of decency and integrity.
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once again, I have friends who know people very close to him. Most of his indiscretions are fairly public affairs (pardon the pun) anyway.
I know a guy who worked in a tabloid newspaper. He showed me some of the photos and stories they had on Stokes and/or Hales, but had been prevented from running by ECB court injunctions. They were pretty shocking. Hales is not a good team mate, Stokes is just an old fashioned psycho with a hair trigger.
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You could swap Alex Hales' name for that of Ian Botham throughout this thread and you wouldn't be far from reality. It isn't a modern problem, it's simply something that gets far more press attention in today's world.
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I know a guy who worked in a tabloid newspaper. He showed me some of the photos and stories they had on Stokes and/or Hales, but had been prevented from running by ECB court injunctions. They were pretty shocking. Hales is not a good team mate, Stokes is just an old fashioned psycho with a hair trigger.
This doesn't surprise me in the slightest
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The ECB only have themselves to blame for this mess. Both Stokes and Hales have been totally out of control for half a decade. Cocaine, drinking during games, repeated drink-driving, serial adultery including with team-mates partners, circulating obscene images, fights, assaults - and rather than confront the situation, the ECB turn a blind other and instead expend their efforts covering it up and keeping it out of the papers. Its a miracle the lengths they went to to keep Stokes out of jail.
Cocaine?!!!! I know Hales was trouble but Stokes had involvement with cocaine, alcohol problems?
Before his brawl, I thought Stokes was captain material but I now I see why (boring) Joe Root is the skipper. How does Root even handle the rowdy bunch?
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this may not coincide with the stories on here but i met stokes while in st Lucia and he couldn't have been nicer, willing to talk even after a rubbish tour and while on a day off (day after the test)
was walking back to their hotel with Jimmy, Curran, Jennings and Mark Wood all of them were lovely, willing to have a chat etc
I genuinely think stokes is trying to make up for indiscretions in the past and make sure they dont happen again!
I cant speak for hales as i havent met him but people on here who have, dont have the same impression i got from stokes which says a lot to me.
I would also like to add im a fan of hales the cricketer and a notts fan so hope he can turn it around, put the ego away sort his issues and get back to scoring big runs for notts and england! its difficult times where people need support (and the occasional strong word) not to be cut down in public
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Just for balance, as there seem's a lot of negativity about him in this thread...
My parents went out to South Africa to watch one of the ODI games in 2016. Their flight was delayed 24 hours and by pure chance they ended up on the same flight as the England team, who were heading home from the tour.
They spent a fair bit of time in the airport talking to most of the team, with Alex Hales, Chris Jordan & Jos Buttler actually stepping away from the squad for a longer chat! They were all, to quote my mum, "a lovely bunch of lads".
Apparently Stoke's was a bit grumpy looking, but was friendly enough and laughed when my mum declared to him "you're my son's favourite red head" before asking for a picture...
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this may not coincide with the stories on here but i met stokes while in st Lucia and he couldn't have been nicer, willing to talk even after a rubbish tour and while on a day off (day after the test)
was walking back to their hotel with Jimmy, Curran, Jennings and Mark Wood all of them were lovely, willing to have a chat etc
I genuinely think stokes is trying to make up for indiscretions in the past and make sure they dont happen again!
I cant speak for hales as i havent met him but people on here who have, dont have the same impression i got from stokes which says a lot to me.
I would also like to add im a fan of hales the cricketer and a notts fan so hope he can turn it around, put the ego away sort his issues and get back to scoring big runs for notts and england! its difficult times where people need support (and the occasional strong word) not to be cut down in public
Not talking about Stokes specifically, but one of the things you learn about psychos is that they can also be the most charming men in the room when they're in the right mood. I've played cricket with plenty of characters like this, some more manageable than others.
There was a documentary a few months ago on different psychological conditions that make people susceptible to causing crime - one was https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermittent_explosive_disorder - basically an otherwise normal person who is totally unable to control their emotions in certain highly stressful situations. I wouldn't be surprised if Stokes suffered from this. (It would also partly explain the 2016 world cup final.)
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Not talking about Stokes specifically, but one of the things you learn about psychos is that they can also be the most charming men in the room when they're in the right mood. I've played cricket with plenty of characters like this, some more manageable than others.
There was a documentary a few months ago on different psychological conditions that make people susceptible to causing crime - one was https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermittent_explosive_disorder - basically an otherwise normal person who is totally unable to control their emotions in certain highly stressful situations. I wouldn't be surprised if Stokes suffered from this. (It would also partly explain the 2016 world cup final.)
interesting, in fact its fascinating, i would agree that there were issues previously
however i think with his performances and general attitude since returning, in front of the media and on the field that he is determined to right the wrongs.
i know for a fact that hes cu the booze out (mostly) which i think was a massive contributor, plenty of fans had seen the England lads out and stokes was on soft drinks, by all accounts thats a big change
Like i say only one persons thoughts and opinions.
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My opinion for what it's worth......not a lot as I only know what I hear and see. So apologies in advance if I seem judgemental (or just mental!)
I would like to see Hales in the ODI squad...why? Because he is the perfect replacement if any one of the top 5 batsmen get injured. I know there are probably other "replacements" but Hales has more than proven himself and is the absolute "no-brainer" replacement.
Now onto his behaviour. Bristol with Stokes - he looked like a thug but that is all water under the bridge now. But we have seen Stokes change his attitude and knuckle down and work on cricket - has Stokes "grown up" or will he still go out and get hammered? The Bristol nightclub event was his low point and gave him a serious wake-up call and he has seemed to made a real effort to concentrate on his cricket and I hope he succeeds.
It looks from all the rumours as though Hales has not quite had the same attitude? If Bristol was a wake-up call, it possibly wasn't his low point yet!! It sounds as though Hales may have a collection of issues to sort out! Affair(s), a few lines too often, his temper and attitude? All are rumours but if he has this many issues, then I honestly think that he needs to step back for a couple of months or more to sort his life out!
If these rumours are all true, then he should be nowhere near the World Cup in all honesty! He needs time and help to get himself sorted and any damaged relationships and addictions addressed.
Whether he is a knob or not, I wish him well. And I know that some of the biggest sporting icons have had massive imperfections and addictions...just look at James Hunt, Ian Botham and George Best to name a few! But I hope that Hales sorts his life out and becomes a better person for it....
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The ECB only have themselves to blame for this mess. Both Stokes and Hales have been totally out of control for half a decade. Cocaine, drinking during games, repeated drink-driving, serial adultery including with team-mates partners, circulating obscene images, fights, assaults - and rather than confront the situation, the ECB turn a blind other and instead expend their efforts covering it up and keeping it out of the papers. Its a miracle the lengths they went to to keep Stokes out of jail.
Compare and contrast to how Ulster and Irish rugby dealt with Paddy Jackson and his cronies. Found not guilty, but still told in no uncertain terms to find new careers as they'd never play professional rugby again. If only the ECB had that level of decency and integrity.
Is it just me or is Stokes not the player that scored a double hundred in Cape Town?
He seems to have lost his way as a batter- but that could be down to our top order problems. He feels he has to bat cautiously when he is at his best when given free reign.
We seem to be dishing out a lot of negativity to these guys.
At least they aren’t cheats who hide sandpaper down their trousers.
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Is it just me or is Stokes not the player that scored a double hundred in Cape Town?
He seems to have lost his way as a batter- but that could be down to our top order problems. He feels he has to bat cautiously when he is at his best when given free reign.
We seem to be dishing out a lot of negativity to these guys.
At least they aren’t cheats who hide sandpaper down their trousers.
He's batting too high. He's a counter-attacking number 7 being asked to bat 5.
A lot of the negativity is directed at the ECB, who have grossly mismanaged the situation.
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He's batting too high. He's a counter-attacking number 7 being asked to bat 5.
A lot of the negativity is directed at the ECB, who have grossly mismanaged the situation.
This..
Stokes has never and will never be a test cricket top six batsmen
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Nope, he can only be one at a time.
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21 day ban for recreational drug use
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21 day ban for recreational drug use
where you hearing this mate? got a link?
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The Guardian
England's Alex Hales banned for 21 days for recreational drug use
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/apr/26/englands-alex-hales-banned-for-21-days-for-recreational-drug-use?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/apr/26/englands-alex-hales-banned-for-21-days-for-recreational-drug-use?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard)
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The Guardian
got it cheers!
not good! another incident and its 12 month ban an potential sacking!
hope he can overcome this and sort his issues!
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Seems it's the second time he has failed it. It's pretty well known he like a substance so he is probably lucky it's only the second time.
Side note bat nerd comment - has anyone seen the bat in the photo near the end of the article, the toe looks massive!!
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Absolute tool
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Side note bat nerd comment - has anyone seen the bat in the photo near the end of the article, the toe looks massive!!
Kronus stickers, looks similar to the Omega he used during his test stint, probably his shape from GN looks lovely!
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There have been some high profile cases over the last decade of cricketers who have suffered from mental health problems but it seems to me that we have barely scratched the surface when it comes to creating am environment where players feel able to speak openly about their problems and where appropriate support is put in place. I hope Hales can get to a place where he is able manage the issues in his life
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Shouldn’t be anyway near the World Cup squad
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He's already had much more help and support around his drug issues than any normal person gets, I have limited sympathy unfortunately.
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He's already had much more help and support around his drug issues than any normal person gets, I have limited sympathy unfortunately.
Correct. There’s only so much help you can receive without helping yourself. First offence gets rehab and support with PCA and gets brushed under the carpet almost with only the county director being told of the outcome, so he’s had his help and had us privileges regarding it, it’s then his call to continue.
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If Hales is the only English cricketer with a taste for marching powder then I'd be very surprised.
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Which drug? White powder or green leaf?
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Slap on the wrist, ECB has no discipline. Stokes and hales got away in Bristol and now only a 21 day ban
His 3rd strike
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He's already had much more help and support around his drug issues than any normal person gets, I have limited sympathy unfortunately.
This.
Living the life and has more support than any normal person and still acts poorly. Zero sympathy and should be kicked into touch. This should always be unacceptable in such positions justify like police, fire, forces etc
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Jack Burnham recently got a season long ban for cocaine use. Going back a bit, Ed Giddens got 19 months.
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Jack Burnham recently got a season long ban for cocaine use. Going back a bit, Ed Giddens got 19 months.
Burnham was three failed tests.
Tom Maynard and Rory Hamilton Brown two other examples in recent years.
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I have a feeling this and the Archer issue is going to completely derail our chances in the World Cup.
I hope I’m wrong.
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Only occasion I can think of where a player wasn't banned was Tom Huddlestone after the death of his son.
When I was under WADA regs I had to check every supplement I took to be sure they weren't contaminated, and I've never been tempted by anything recreational but I'm sure some team mates would have been indulging in the odd spliff.
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Think that was Livermore not Huddlestone
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Which drug? White powder or green leaf?
I’d be very surprised if many players are stupid enough to smoke the devils lettuce regularly. It stays in your system for up to 6 weeks where as Colombian marching powder is detectable for 3-4 days.
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It's quite ironic on Sky sports cricket they just showed Hales' ridiculous 116* vs Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.
Reading the Guardian article what strikes me though is how can the ECB possibly operate on an anti-doping process that only tests at the start and end of the season. That is absolutely ludicrous for a national governing body of a high profile sport. Even if they are using a hair follicle for previous 3 months use.
Now I absolutely don't condone what Hales has done at all especially as it's his 2nd time. But playing devils advocate here, if it is a 3 months test at the start of the season he has failed, isn't it possible that he has had a spliff in the off season?
I will reiterate that I in no way condone Hales behaviour just opening discussion.
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@six and out this isn't an anti-doping test, it's for recreational drugs only. UKAD conducts anti-doping tests, not the ECB.
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@six and out this isn't an anti-doping test, it's for recreational drugs only. UKAD conducts anti-doping tests, not the ECB.
@edge so is it UKAD's start and end of season tests policy and the ECB don't do any?
I am interested to know because if that's the case then it's crazy just a different organisation.
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ECB tried to cover this one up - wonder how many others they’ve covered up
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@edge so is it UKAD's start and end of season tests policy and the ECB don't do any?
I am interested to know because if that's the case then it's crazy just a different organisation.
No, the ECB run these start/end hair tests as a player welfare thing. UKAD is the normal random testing type situation. Always wondered how much cricketers get tested mind, the cases are so rare! Russell, Warne, can't think of any others off the top of my head.
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ECB tried to cover this one up - wonder how many others they’ve covered up
Wouldn't be much of a player welfare programme if they announced the test results to the papers every time would it! 🙈
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No, the ECB run these start/end hair tests as a player welfare thing. UKAD is the normal random testing type situation. Always wondered how much cricketers get tested mind, the cases are so rare! Russell, Warne, can't think of any others off the top of my head.
Found this article by Lizzie Ammon -
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/75-of-cricketers-were-not-drug-tested-last-year-cjt9mg00t (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/75-of-cricketers-were-not-drug-tested-last-year-cjt9mg00t)
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Think that was Livermore not Huddlestone
Correct, my bad
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The next step in this could well involve Ashley Giles. A combination of a strict disciplinarian and someone keen to make a name for himself.
He shot out Farbrace and Ramprakash pretty quick, Hales has had a chance and also got off the court case in Bristol -you wonder if Giles might think he deserves further punishment.
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The next step in this could well involve Ashley Giles. A combination of a strict disciplinarian and someone keen to make a name for himself.
He shot out Farbrace and Ramprakash pretty quick, Hales has had a chance and also got off the court case in Bristol -you wonder if Giles might think he deserves further punishment.
Exactly what does Giles want he's responsible for England's way forward
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Exactly what does Giles want he's responsible for England's way forward
Hard to say but being responsible for England’s way forward will include discipline as has been shown before under Strauss.
Complete guess here but my view is they could discuss whether having him in the final squad for the WC may distract from the overall aim of the team...
Hales simply on performance alone is a bit unlucky to be the spare batsman, in any other era he would be a first pick.
Balance that against bad publicity, perhaps some conflict with other players if you believe the rumours.
Could be wrong but I don’t think this is over yet
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Going off topic with the dreaded two letters - who thinks KP might have played for England again if Giles had been in charge?
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Going off topic with the dreaded two letters - who thinks KP might have played for England again if Giles had been in charge?
Shouodnt have played for englsnd again after what he did to Strauss. The fact he was was weak by the ECB. ECB have shown nothing but Ill discipline and an unwillingness to maintain standards. Stokes and hakes in Bristol proves this again
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You would have to look at the Strauss and flower relationship together as KP clashed mainly with Flower.
I was no fan of KP the person, admired his batting greatly.You would be an idiot not to acknowledge he was a different level in some series to the rest of our players.
Dedicated trainer and never caught out late drinking fighting or drug taking.
I think the answer to your question might be yes but over the head of Flower which may of affected the relationship.
I believe Flower and Strauss backed each other up at all times.
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This whole sorry saga is a reminder of the dangers of drugs, both recreational and alcohol. People will always want to experiment, especially young people. Difference is Hales is not a young 20 something anymore,spending his first big paycheck.
I have a feeling Hales is not particularly bright and this makes stupid decisions. Which is a shame as he is bloody talented.
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Going off topic with the dreaded two letters - who thinks KP might have played for England again if Giles had been in charge?
I think it would also have been dependent on who the captain was. Cook was frankly far too weak a person to stand up to the Swann, Prior, Broad, Anderson clique that ruled the dressing room at that time.
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Cook was frankly far too weak a person to stand up to the Swann, Prior, Broad, Anderson clique that ruled the dressing room at that time.
What a bold statement to make!
Do you know that for sure? Were you there to have a first hand account of what went on?
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I think it would also have been dependent on who the captain was. Cook was frankly far too weak a person to stand up to the Swann, Prior, Broad, Anderson clique that ruled the dressing room at that time.
If we what read is correct
Cook as Captain stood aside rather than insisting I want Peterson in my team
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What a bold statement to make!
Do you know that for sure? Were you there to have a first hand account of what went on?
Everyone will have their own view. I am happy that this version of events has been collaborated by opponents including Ricky Ponting whereas it is only those part of the clique who deny it.
Cook was happy to throw KP under a bus in private whilst lacking the courage to justify the decision in public.
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Dropped...
removed from all england squads ahead of international season
Giles made decision, saying:
“We have thought long and hard about this decision. We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch.
“I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex’s career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer.”
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Correct decision...... now who replaces him I wonder.... 🤔🤔
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It'll be Vince
I'd go Hain scores 161 last time out and had a good North vs south done well for Lions too
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Nobody to blame but himself. Fool.
As for who steps in I can't see it being anyone else but Vince right now
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Hain should be picked, but it will be Vince.
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Given all the chat around Archer being that he would be disruptive as an outside influence/an unknown to the team, I think the ECB has created a rod for its own back here. They have to pick someone to replace Hales who has already been in the squad and played ODIs, so that leaves Vince or Malan, I'd expect. I'd like to see Clarke or Hain, but I don't think they have a chance.
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Given all the chat around Archer being that he would be disruptive as an outside influence/an unknown to the team, I think the ECB has created a rod for its own back here. They have to pick someone to replace Hales who has already been in the squad and played ODIs, so that leaves Vince or Malan, I'd expect. I'd like to see Clarke or Hain, but I don't think they have a chance.
Haven't seen any of that chat from the actual ECB though, Smith has said little on the matter and just picked Archer?
Clarke would be replacing one controversy with another so seems unlikely, Hain bats in Root's spot at 3 so could be seen as not versatile enough as backup. Vince is already in the Ireland squad and has been the man in best form of the contenders so hard to suggest they'll pick someone else, bit of a shame Liam Livingstone has been benchwarming at the IPL rather than potentially scoring county runs.
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Also for what it's worth it's still poor that the ECB tried to cover this one up
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I assume the selectors will be looking at who bats well in the warm up matches? I suspect that if Vince hits some decent runs, then they will go for him.
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I hope it's someone without tattoos.
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Haven't seen any of that chat from the actual ECB though, Smith has said little on the matter and just picked Archer?
Clarke would be replacing one controversy with another so seems unlikely, Hain bats in Root's spot at 3 so could be seen as not versatile enough as backup. Vince is already in the Ireland squad and has been the man in best form of the contenders so hard to suggest they'll pick someone else, bit of a shame Liam Livingstone has been benchwarming at the IPL rather than potentially scoring county runs.
Had forgotten about Clarke's involvement in the Hepburn case, you're right about them definitely not wanting to court further controversy.
Looks like Vince then.
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you could see this coming I think. On ability Hales should be in the squad but I thought they would look at the team overall with the WC being the most important knockout tournament held in this Country ever.
I have little sympathy for him if im honest, have read other members posts thou and not everyone sees it the same way, so differing views reflected here on this
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Time for a new 'Why won't England pick Alex Hales?' thread? Or a revival of the old one?
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He's 30 years old and has been acting like a teenager. I'm struggling to find any sympathy for him.
The ECB are also clearly completely incompetent at 'raising' players or providing a proper professional environment for them to advance their careers since we see this sort of behaviour among individuals across pretty much every generation of England players.
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The ECB are also clearly completely incompetent at 'raising' players or providing a proper professional environment for them to advance their careers since we see this sort of behaviour among individuals across pretty much every generation of England players.
I think responsibility, overall, is squarely on Hales. This is a very different situation to that of footballers who earn millions whilst still teenagers and have a huge amount of hangers-on. I’m sure Hales has plenty of yes man in his immediate social circle, but he’s an educated man and should know better. Perhaps he should have been given some more mental and emotional support following recent incidents, but he was already raised and had a place in a professional environment.
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I think responsibility, overall, is squarely on Hales. This is a very different situation to that of footballers who earn millions whilst still teenagers and have a huge amount of hangers-on. I’m sure Hales has plenty of yes man in his immediate social circle, but he’s an educated man and should know better. Perhaps he should have been given some more mental and emotional support following recent incidents, but he was already raised and had a place in a professional environment.
I beg to differ
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And conveniently, this leaves the door open for Archer to walk into the squad !
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It's a bummer though
Love his batting but.. :(
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And conveniently, this leaves the door open for Archer to walk into the squad !
Archer will not replace Hales! They need someone who can bat anywhere in the top 6 - this is why Vince or similar will replace Hales.
Archer will have to replace someone like Plunkett to be honest.
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Archer will not replace Hales! They need someone who can bat anywhere in the top 6 - this is why Vince or similar will replace Hales.
Archer will have to replace someone like Plunkett to be honest.
I know they are not the same player, and your thoughts are along the lines of most sane people, however, this is the ECB !
What strikes me though is that the ECB must have been aware of all this for a while, so why include him in the first place.
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I know they are not the same player, and your thoughts are along the lines of most sane people, however, this is the ECB !
What strikes me though is that the ECB must have been aware of all this for a while, so why include him in the first place.
The same reason that Archer was not included in the original squad announcement possibly? So that the squad that have got England to the position they are in, feel appreciated?
I really don't think they have dropped Hales because they want Archer in the squad - they will have to replace Hales with a batsman...end of! Especially when you look at Roy recovering from a spasm whilst batting! They can't risk not having a backup top order batsman.
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The same reason that Archer was not included in the original squad announcement possibly? So that the squad that have got England to the position they are in, feel appreciated?
I really don't think they have dropped Hales because they want Archer in the squad - they will have to replace Hales with a batsman...end of! Especially when you look at Roy recovering from a spasm whilst batting! They can't risk not having a backup top order batsman.
What I was questioning was the inclusion of Hales being in the original squad as surely the ECB were aware of what's going on with him.
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It should be Sam Hain to slot into the squad tbh, the kid has the Highest list a average of all time
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I saw some people on social media mentioning Sam Hain as a possibly wildcard card selection to replace Hales. I wonder if David Wiley will vocalise the same concerns about the player not having been part of the group and thus shouldn't be selected if Hain gets selected. Or since it doesn't threaten his position in the team, he will be fine with it.
I have never seen Hain play so I don't even know how likely it is that he will be a replacement.
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Decent List A average to be fair - plus bats at 3 in List A matches and last outing 161*
All looks good but I bet they still include Vince!!
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Correct decision...... now who replaces him I wonder.... 🤔🤔
Sam. Northeast as a wildcard. Pick
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I hope it's someone without tattoos.
Why???
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Massive Joe Clarke fan.
Hain clearly has the better record but I think its about time Clarke was given a go
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Who reckons we are going to get knocked out in the groups stages?
West Indies India final for me!
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So it’s Duckett, Malan and Vince who come in
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I always tend to side with the players with the view that they are just blokes that happen to be very good at a sport we all play. Their actions are so much more in the spotlight than some average club players who might just as likely be up to similar antics on a weekend.
However on this occasion all I can say is what a (No Swearing Please) tool!
In a World Cup Year shortly after he escaped a criminal charge that was probably deserved, with all the possible support and duty of care (No Swearing Please) the ECB would provide, he is still acting like a brainless 19 year old. Had every chance and blown it. No sympathy from me on this occasion and deserves to miss the tournament
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Who reckons we are going to get knocked out in the groups stages?
West Indies India final for me!
Hales was a bench warmer anyway so does this make much difference? Vince or Malan comes in for me.
If our first choice 11 are fit by the start of the tournament I will still back us to make the final
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Why???
I don't like them. It was mostly a joke.
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Interesting article this.... talks about how the ECB have made a complete mess of this situation including how they must have known Hales had failed the test when they picked him for the original squad!
https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/2019/apr/29/leadership-failure-ecb-alex-hales-england-mess-cricket?CMP=share_btn_tw&__twitter_impression=true
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Sounds like Hales went thru the right channels/procedure and received an assurance the squad would be picked on merit. Then when the story broke in the Guardian it was drugs Giles had to do something more....or maybe other England management did like Morgan or Bayliss... If it's true Hales did get some sort of assurance he would not lose his place after the 21 day ban then does this not have an uncanny mirror image of what happened with Pieterson?
Graves told KP the slate was wiped clean under his watch...with the bad feeling(both sides) put aside, and the team would be picked on merit. Pieterson gets 300 odd in a county game and then gets told by Strauss the bridge cannot be rebuilt because of a lack of trust.
So KP stops playing County cricket and goes off doing something else and his England career is over. Giles received the same info on Hales as the player did himself.
I'm no fan of Hales and I wasn't of Pieterson(fantastic player thou) but if the Guardian article is accurate history has repeated itself over again.
I had a lot of sympathy with KP over this particular issue, not so much with Hales as his career is not over.
It appears the ECB have tried to cover it up and shot themselves in the foot X 2.
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It appears the ECB have tried to cover it up and shot themselves in the foot X 2.
If there is anything in English cricket more assured than a batting collapse it is the incompetence of the ECB.
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Hales axed!
Surely The ECB are not fit for purpose? They are a nightmare! Might be the right decision but the way they have gone about it leaves a lot to be desired.
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I think it was good the story was leaked by the press. In which delusional outcome was a 21 day ban and valid punishment? Despite it 'only being a recreation drug', any ban under 6 months is getting off cheaply, 21 days is no more than a slap on the wrist. I didn't even this was a second time Hales has been busted, therefore it should be a minimum suspension off 12 months.
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I can't actually find where it says exactly what he's done. Did he get caught smoking dope? By the press?
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Had the story not been leaked - the ECB would've played him in the WC
Does any other professional sporting organisation have as many leaks as the ECB? Teams, squads and people being dropped are leaked every series.
How do they allow this to carry on?
It seems the press is far too close to certain members of the ECB
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Alex Hales is apparently devastated by the news of his axing...good thing that he knows how to 'chill' and forget all his worries! :D
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I can't actually find where it says exactly what he's done. Did he get caught smoking dope? By the press?
@strang Hales failed a drug test for cocaine use. The second time he has failed such a test.
That combined with his involvement with the incident in Bristol has left him open to these sanctions.
Also it appears he isn't the best 12th man either which hasn't helped his cause.
Hales has made a series of poor choices, giving up red ball cricket was one of them too.
He is out of contract at the end of this season. Any speculation where he will move too?
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Any speculation where he will move too?
What kind of playing surfaces do you think Colombia would produce? ;)
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According to Morgan, Hales was dropped due to a breakdown fo trust between hales and the group.
Senior players had a meeting all agreed he should be dropped and relayed this back to Giles who made the final decision
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/48136881 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/48136881)
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According to Morgan, Hales was dropped due to a breakdown fo trust between hales and the group.
Senior players had a meeting all agreed he should be dropped and relayed this back to Giles who made the final decision
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/48136881 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/48136881)
Yes the Guardian again....they must have a direct source....said it was Morgan and Bayliss and senior players who vetoed Hales coming in. I said before Hales is short of friends in the England side and it seems that way.
I don't like the phrase breakdown of trust(KP!!) but this is the biggest year for England and the players will know distractions and bad publicity is the enemy.
Hales was lucky he was not in the dock with Stokes back from that night in Bristol if you believe in Karma maybe it has come around.
No excuses for the ECB from me thou, I agreed with others is smells of a cover up, they have previous. :)
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Very good from Morgan.
Shame the ECB don’t appear to have the convictions and standards that he is trying to relay to the group.
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ECB are a bunch of twats.
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It would be interesting to know who leaked these from inside the ECB given how fee people were privy to the knowledge. Becomes rather important when Giles has confirmed that Hales would still be part of the world cup squad without the leak