Alex Hales withdrawn from Cricket World Cup Squad following second failed drugs test

Alex Hales has been dropped from the England World Cup squad after serving a 21-day ban for recreational use.

It had been announced that Hales was taking a break from Cricket for “personal reasons” but it was revealed on Friday that he was in fact serving a 21-day ban for recreational drug use.

This is the second failed drugs test for the 30-year old on top of his involvement in the Bristol nightclub incident in 2017. Hales was never charged for affray but did receive a £17,500 fine and a six-match ban from the ECB for bringing the game into disrepute.

England Cricket Board managing director Ashley Giles said it was not an easy decision. "We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch."

As a result, Hales will miss the ODI with Ireland on Friday, the pre World Cup ODI series with Pakistan, in addition to the summer World Cup tournament on home soil.

To view the official ECB statement, click here.