India vs England | Alex Hales ruled out of ODI series due to side strain
England batsman Alex Hales has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series after he suffered a side strain during the net practice sessions ahead of the first ODI match against India. Hales will be replaced by Middlesex batsman, David Malan, for the two remaining games of the ODI series.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Alex Hales starred for the home team in the second T20I against India as he scored 58 to help England level the series before they were defeated in the last match. Hales was ruled out of the first ODI against India after he suffered a side strain during the net practice sessions and the English Cricket Board reported that they would monitor his condition over the next few weeks before making a decision on his future.
Now the ECB has announced that Hales would miss the rest of the ODI series after his injury was deemed too serious. England's previous ODI at Trent Bridge saw Hales make 147 as the hosts posted men's record total of 481 for six in a 242-run win against Australia last month.
"Alex Hales has a torn left side strain, he will be out for three to four weeks and misses the rest of the series," said the ECB spokesperson.
The English cricket team has retained the services of Middlesex batsman, David Malan, who was initially called up as a temporary replacement for Hales in the England squad. Malan was not part of the starting XI that suffered an eight-wicket loss to India but can make an appearance in the next ODI at Lord’s. The 30-year old batsman made his debut for England as a T20I player back in 2017 where he demolished South Africa's bowling attack with 78 from 44 balls - the highest T20 innings by an England debutant.
