Having being part of the Nottinghamshire County team for about six years since 2008, England's latest recruit Alex Hales has said that he is looking forward to taking on India in the third ODI here tomorrow.
It will be a special occasion for the youngster, who will be playing his first ODI at his home ground, Trent Bridge.
"I'm really looking forward to it. All the international games here at Trent Bridge are very special occasions, a very good atmosphere and I'm really looking forward to getting out there in front of a home crowd. Hopefully as a team we can bounce back against India as well," said Hales, who made his ODI debut in the 133-run loss at Cardiff.
"It was a little frustrating waiting for that chance in 50-over cricket. I've always felt at home in Twenty20 cricket, the pressure that comes with playing in front of the big screen and playing for your country. So I have always felt ready to make the step up to ODIs. But the selectors have said that I have to show more consistency across all three formats. That's something I've had to go away and work on, and I hope I've shown that," he added.
Hales was the top-scorer for England at Cardiff, getting 40 runs off 63 balls, and gave a good start to his team in a tall chase. He put up 54 runs with skipper Alastair Cook for the first wicket. In its run-up to the 2015 World Cup, his arrival could be an interesting marker for the English team.
"It was the first time I batted with Cook," said Hales.
"He doesn't talk a lot, only says the basic stuff you always talk about in the middle. I really enjoyed the start we had, and hope there are more of those partnerships to come. Obviously, it's only been one game but to get off to a 50-run start is pretty good.
"We're still learning about each other's games, talking with each other in the nets about where our single options are, what our boundary options are and I hope we can forge a good partnership heading into the World Cup," he added.
