Bayliss insists Hales still has England future after the World Cup

Trevor Bayliss said Alex Hales still has a future with England after the batsman was withdrawn from the World Cup squad.

Hales was named in England’s preliminary 15-man World Cup squad only to be dropped last week after a newspaper report said the 30-year-old was serving a 21-day ban for a second positive drugs test.

Bayliss told Sky Sports: “Alex still has an international future. I have spoken to him and given him that message.

He added: “I think we’ve come to the right decision. Being respected off the field as well as on it is very important.”

The Australian coach confirmed Hales would not return for the World Cup.

Bayliss said the England selectors would have to make a “very difficult decision” following the impressive form of newcomer Jofra Archer.

On the Barbados-born all-rounder, Bayliss said: “He’s fitted into the group extremely well. He’s a fairly quiet sort of a guy. He looked very nervous in that first game in Ireland as anyone making their debuts usually are.

“I thought he bowled some good spells, or one or two spells in Ireland without too much luck and I thought he bowled pretty well in the T20 match a couple of days ago.

“It’s all looking good. It’s going to be a very difficult decision for the selectors, whichever way we go.”