Alex Hales withdrawn from England's World Cup squad

Opener Alex Hales has been withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement on Monday.

Hales has also been withdrawn for the one-off one-day international against Ireland, set to be played in Malahide on Friday, and the limited-overs series against Pakistan.

The decision comes after reports that Hales tested positive for a recreational drug test, and was handed a 21-day ban for the second such offence.

“We have thought long and hard about this decision,” said Ashley Giles, the ECB managing director of men’s cricket. “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.”

Hales has represented England in 70 ODIs. He has six ODI centuries – only nine players have more for England – and his high score of 171 is just nine short of the 180 Jason Roy scored against Australia in January 2018, which is the highest individual score by an England batsman in ODIs.

A replacement is yet to be named.