Alex Hales will give serious consideration to playing red ball cricket with Nottinghamshire again – once he has done everything in his power to be part of England’s bid for 2019 World Cup glory.

The exciting right-handed batsman has chosen not to take part in Specsavers County Championship cricket this summer and next to focus on the shorter formats of the game.

He insists his two-year white ball-only deal will maximise his chances of making the final cut when the ICC’s biggest global tournament lands here in 12 months’ time, which includes five matches at his home ground of Trent Bridge.

“I’ve definitely not shut the door on playing red ball cricket for Notts again in the future,” said Hales. “It’s a short-term move and then I’m going to re-assess after the World Cup.

“It was a very tough decision to play white ball only for these next two seasons and not play in the Championship. I knew it would get a mixed reception from supporters around the country and around the world.

“But when you grow up, you dream of playing in a World Cup for your home country, particularly on home soil.

“We (England) have a good chance of winning it and, being on the fringes of the team, I wanted to do everything I could to try to nail down my spot and look back with no regrets.

“I’ve definitely not shut the door on playing red ball cricket for Notts again in the future.”

“The standard of our 20-over and 50-over team for England is unbelievable, so, just for now, I want to dedicate all my energy and practice to trying to be as good as I can and playing in the World Cup.

“Some people won’t agree with it, but I stand by it as being the right choice. You get extra time to train in the gym and work at specific things in the white ball game that you want to work on and practice.

“I want to be mentally fresh, physically fresh and fitter, and it’s a fine balance to strike, but it’s the most energy and enthusiasm I’ve had for an (English) season in a very long time.”

Hales can’t wait to get started for the Notts Outlaws after his stint in the Indian Premier League and will start with three 50-over Royal London One-Day Cup games against Worcestershire, Durham and Derbyshire.

He believes it is the format to which he is most highly suited, having played some of his most memorable innings both domestically and internationally in it.

Hales said: “I enjoy all forms of cricket, but I think 50-overs is the most naturally suited to my game.

“I sometimes take a bit of time to get in and this format gives you that luxury of not having to go out and crash bang wallop from the off, so I would probably say it’s my strongest.”

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