Alex Hales cut a frustrated figure as he left the hallowed turf of Lord’s on Sunday, but the Nottinghamshire & England man has every reason to be proud of his performances during the series.

The 27-year old starred with scores of 86, 83 and latterly 94 in the series victory over Sri Lanka, three times missing out on a century, but on each occasion underling his credentials at the top of England’s Test Match order.

“It’s frustrating, but if you had offered me 300 runs with an average of 60 at the start of the series, I’d have taken it,” he said.

“I’d had my fair share of luck. I was bowled off that close no ball and there were umpire’s calls and edges, so I guess my luck ran out.

“It’s disappointing to come so close and miss out again. When you get so close you have to be converting. But it was a pretty decent delivery.”

After averaging 17 on tour in South Africa, Hales admitted to being particularly pleased with how he handled the Sri Lankan seam attack this time around.

“I had a lot of questions to answer after South Africa,” he said. “The biggest thing I’ve improved is my decision-making outside off stump. Whether it’s leaving the ball or attacking the ball.

“In South Africa, a few times, I was tentatively hanging my bat in the channel. So I’ve tried to be more positive - positive in my leaving and positive when I’m looking to attack.

“It’s still something I’m improving on each game and there are other areas to work on as well, but I feel I’m heading in the right direction.

“Maybe in the first couple of games this summer, I have gone after the spinners more than I should have.

“But this game I have played better and chosen my attacking options better against Rangana Herath.”

 

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