Alex Hales has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The 34-year-old batsman, who has played 116 ODIs and 62 T20Is for England, has decided to focus on his domestic and franchise cricket.
Hales said in a statement: "I've had an amazing journey in international cricket, but I've decided to retire from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect.
"It's been a tough decision, but I've decided to focus on my domestic and franchise cricket. I'm really excited about the future and I'm looking forward to helping Trent Bridge, Notts Outlaws and Sydney Thunder win trophies in the years to come."
Hales made his international debut in 2011 and went on to score 4,904 runs in ODIs, including five centuries. He was also a key member of England's T20I team, scoring 2,420 runs at an average of 34.26.
Hales's international career was interrupted in 2019 when he was dropped from the England squad for the World Cup after failing a second recreational drugs test. He was reinstated to the England side in 2021 and played a key role in their T20 World Cup win in Australia last year.
Hales said he was grateful for the opportunity to represent England and thanked his teammates, coaches and support staff for their help over the years.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to have represented England at the highest level," he said. "I've made some great memories that I'll cherish forever.
"I'd like to thank all of my teammates, coaches and support staff for their help over the years. I'm also grateful to the England fans for their support."
Hales's retirement is a blow to England's batting line-up, but he leaves with a wealth of experience and a reputation as one of the most destructive batsmen in the world. He will be hoping to continue his success in domestic and franchise cricket in the years to come