Alex Hales verdict issued by Eoin Morgan as returning England star eyes T20 World Cup win

Eoin Morgan did not pick Alex Hales while he was England white ball captain, citing trust issues and better players after the opener was axed on the eve of 2019 World Cup over a second failed recreational drugs test

Eoin Morgan has heaped praise on Alex Hales after two explosive innings helped fire England into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

And on a good looking surface with conditions to suit, Morgan would be delighted if Hales could spark once more against India to send England into the final on Sunday. It is a generous turnaround from the former skipper who would not pick Hales in his side as a matter of trust following his axing on the eve of the 2019 World Cup for a recreational drugs ban.

And Hales neither regained that trust nor could force his way past the likes of Jason Roy or Jonny Bairstow and back into the side while Morgan was captain. 

But after swapping his bat for a microphone to become an engaging Sky Cricket pundit, he is full of admiration for the way Hales has returned to England colours, scoring 52 against New Zealand and 47 against Sri Lanka in must win games.