'He is definitely one of the best T20 players' - Ben Stokes clears the air over Alex Hales amid rift rumors

Ben Stokes, Alex Hales (Image Source: Twitter)

Alex Hales has been included for the 20-20 World Cup 2022 squad and the Pakistan tour. The aggressive opener has replaced injured Johnny Bairstow in the squad.

Earlier, in the initial squad, Alex Hales was excluded and this did not go well with the batter and he went on to argue with Rob Key, the managing director of England cricket. Amid this, the English test skipper Ben Stokes has dismissed rift rumours with the opener.

The opener has been in a splendid form off late and proved his worth in the Hundred 2022. The fine outing with champions Trent Rockets has paved the way for the international squad. A well-deserved call-up as he has been toiling it hard in the nets. Ben Stokes dismissed the rumour claims and said the two shared a common goal.

“I think at the end of the day, everyone's goal is to win that World Cup for England. My goal, Alex's goal, and everyone else who's part of that squad’s goal is to win that World Cup. And it's an injury that presents an opportunity to someone else. Alex is definitely one of the best T20 players in the world. And unfortunately, with what happened with Jonny we had to call another player up and know Alex is definitely one of the guys that bowlers just don't want to be bowling at in the T20 format,” Stokes said.

 He certainly is one of those: Ben Stokes

The English test skipper and white-ball all-rounder said that the opener can handle match pressure. The left-handed batter highlighted the importance of stepping up in important games.

"I’ve not been in the leadership capacity with the white ball group for however long. I've obviously been resting and stuff like that. But when it comes down to the big moments in games and World Cup games, knockout games, you want your best players there to be taking that pressure on and he certainly is one of those," Stokes said.

Albeit the player has been included in the squad, it remains to see if they'll include him in the playing XI. If he gets a go, Alex Hales will be unstoppable for now, at least.