The song ‘Time is Running Out’ by Muse roars to life with the prophetic lyric ‘You’re something beautiful, a contradiction.’ Nottinghamshire and England batsman Alex Hales’ CV includes time as a Renegade, Outlaw and the World’s Number 1 T20 Batsman, but ‘a contradiction’ is perhaps the most accurate description of the Buckinghamshire boy.

Hales describes 2013 as ‘interesting’ and this trademark desire to downplay the astounding anomalies that have blown bullet holes through his season is typical of Hales’ laid-back personality.

In the months that preceded this interview, Hales cracked 94 off 61 balls to help England continue their post-ashes glory in the T20 format this summer, passed the likes of Chris Gayle and B.B McCullum to top the ICC rankings and secured a place in the forthcoming IPL auction which could see him earn eye-watering amounts of money; the likes of which haven’t been banked by an English player in India.

Yet, this season also saw his 4 day form fall to the wayside and post-match interviews appeared to take a more pessimistic perspective. When questioned about this, Hales admits there is an element of self-preservation beneath the self-deprecation.

“I don’t want to come across as being arrogant,” said Hales.

“Maybe it is me being a bit cautious about not looking arrogant then in the next few games you do rubbish and then you look foolish.”

“I’ve always had a bit more of a buzz for the T20 games just because of the atmosphere, the crowds, the TV cameras,” - Alex Hales.

Endearing as this humble side of Hales is, it reveals a deep-rooted sense of uncertainty about his ability to allow himself bragging rights to the titles he’s been awarded this year. Statistically, Hales is now above the game’s most prolific and outspoken batsmen and is ranked Number One in the World in the eyes of the ICC yet he is reluctant to react to the hype surrounding this accolade.

“It’s nice to have but it’s a strange one really. It’s up to me now to try and maintain that high standard and it’s going to be hard but I’ll give it my best.”

Therein lies the measure of Nott’s opening batsman’s philosophy – understated but ever acknowledging of the task ahead. By his own admission he is someone who enjoys the pressure and the spectacle of the larger games.

“I’ve always had a bit more of a buzz for the T20 games just because of the atmosphere, the crowds, the TV cameras,” he said.

“It’s all something I’ve quite enjoyed - trying to do as well as you can on a big stage.”

However, Hales has experienced a different level of pressure and public interest recently as he was granted permission by Director of Cricket Mick Newell to enter the IPL auction in 2014.

Hales on England duty at Durham, where he went on to score 94.

“There’s been a lot of press and hype about me being allowed to go to the IPL but I might not even get picked up you never know, it’s an auction,” said Hales.

“But if I do go I think there will be extra attention because there aren’t that many English players that go to the IPL, but hopefully I’ll do okay.”

Given his natural aptitude for and current success with T20 it’s almost certain Hales will do more than okay if he’s selected to play but despite the huge winter ahead of him, Hales is already anticipating his return to Trent Bridge next season with a renewed determination to succeed for his county side.

“I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t neglect your 4 day game.” - Alex Hales

Having extended his contract until 2016, Hales has reaffirmed his commitments to Nottingham and will return in the New Year to shake the ghosts of the season past.

“I don’t want to completely forget about this year because I need to take the lessons I’ve learned forward into next season,” he said.

“I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t neglect your 4 day game.”

Battle scars still evident, Hales reflects on the 2013 season with a tangible sense of fatigue.

“I think the end of the season came at a good time for me.”

If 2013 was doomed to be unlucky, Hales may have had the luckiest unlucky year of all. The win down at Lord’s rounded the Outlaws’ season off on a high but by his own admission, Hales’ four day game suffered as his T20 form soared.

‘It’s been interesting,” he said.

“Doing so well with T20 as the four dayers sort of plateaued out wasn’t how I wanted it to go at all.

“I’m going to find time to improve my four day form this winter because I want to have success with Notts when I return. Ultimately, it’s up to me to work on it and improve.”

That determination forms the core of Hales’ plan for his return to Trent Bridge next year. His desire to play a key role in securing four-day titles with his county side is the motivating factor in his preparations for the 2014 season.

“I’m going to have to find that balance of maintaining that standard of 20/20 but also not neglecting my 4 day game because I want to succeed for Notts in all formats and that’s probably the main thing I’ve learned from 2013.”

Lessons learned but there will be no New Year’s Resolutions made at midnight on December 31st for this cricketer. Hales’ confesses to ‘taking each day as it comes’ rather than planning too far into the future however there is a definite plan in place for his return to Nottingham. No resolutions but a resolute desire to succeed? Alex Hales; a contradiction.