Mick Newell says Alex Hales and England have reasons to be optimistic ahead of the ICC World T20 campaign.
The tournament marks the start of a potentially career-defining period for Hales, and Newell is backing the Outlaws’ opener to grasp his opportunities in all formats.
“It’s such a hit and miss tournament,” said the Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket and England Selector.
“It’s very difficult to pick a favourite, but England have got every chance.
“The team is in a confident place and so is Alex, because he played very well in the 50 and 20-over cricket at the end of the South Africa tour.
“He has another opportunity on the world stage, to push his name further forward and to build some confidence going into the English summer.
“He’s got an awareness of how important it is, first in this tournament and then coming back to prepare by playing well for us.
“Hopefully he can get himself into that Test squad and have a long and successful international career in more than one format.”
England’s campaign begins on Wednesday 16 March against 2012 champions the West Indies, who Newell believes to be a dangerous opposition.
“The West Indies have a lot of experience,” he said.
“They have players that play around the world in the various domestic competitions, which we don’t have. But hopefully we can beat them in enthusiasm and skill levels.
“In terms of appearances in T20 cricket, their numbers will be a lot higher than ours.
“Gayle is one of the most threatening batsmen in the world so straight away you’ve got your concerns about that.
“But England have match winners themselves and if they bowl at a high level, they’ve got every chance.
“The West Indies’ other formats are not in a good place, but T20 cricket seems to galvanise them.
“With Darren Sammy as captain, he’s got huge enthusiasm for the game and is a player that’s done a great job as a West Indies captain, across all formats.
“Now people like him, Gayle, Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo are focussing on this format and see it as the big opportunity to keep their country at the forefront of the world game.”
The 2015 season saw dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.
Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.