Alex Hales adapted to the conditions really well, reckons Eoin Morgan

07/07/2018

Appreciating Alex Hales' heroic effort in the second Twenty20 international against India that helped England level the series, Eoin Morgan has stated that Hales adapted the conditions well. He also insisted that the team was always good against spinners and was just a matter of being logical.

Alex Hales kept his nerve with an unbeaten 58 to see England home and square the international T20 series against India 1-1 with one to play in Cardiff on Friday. Chasing the target of 149, Jason Roy (15) and Jos Buttler (14) were both dismissed by Umesh Yadav but Hales kept England in the game. Hales had struggled against the Indian spinners in the opening game in Manchester but played with more confidence at Sophia Gardens against Kuldeep Yadav, who took five for 24 in the first game went wicketless. England captain Morgan heaped praise on the batsman pointing out that Hales had adapted to the conditions really well.

“The way Alex played today, he adapted to conditions really well, and did small partnerships that helped us chase this down. We normally play spin quite well, but it's a matter of being logical while playing," said Eoin Morgan in the post-match press conference.

Liam Plunkett and David Willey had put the squeeze on India early on as the tourists were restricted to just 148/5 in the first innings. Plunkett took 1/17 and Willey 1/18 as India were kept on a leash despite a 47-run knock from captain Virat Kohli and some late hitting from MS Dhoni, who scored 32 not out helping plunder 22 in Jake Ball’s final over. Morgan was quite happy with the total and stated that the bowlers did well on a bouncy track.

"We were happy with that total. To get 150 was a cagey affair, but was happy to go over the line. We showed character. There was a bit more bounce today. When it bounces you can take wickets, and that's what we did. Willey did well, and the unit as a whole did really well,” he said.

Alex Hales, who has been adjudged the Man of the Match, revealed that he had done his homework and was prepared for Indian spinners this time. After batting at no. 3 in the first match, Hales was asked to come at no. 4 in the second and stated that he was comfortable batting in any position for the team.

"A much-needed win. Important game, and nice to take the team through to the win. Had to look at a big more footage for the spinners, and this time I played more on the backfoot. The other day was just a bad day at the office. Any position for me in the team is fine with me. All the guys below me can also hit boundaries, so we were rather confident. Bowling effort was outstanding. Two very strong teams so all to play for in Bristol," said Alex Hales.

The series will be concluding with the third T20 game in Bristol on Sunday before three 50-over internationals and a five-match Test series.