England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan has stated that Alex Hales’ form has made it difficult for the management to drop him from the next game – even with Ben Stokes returning from injury.

Stokes could be fit before the third and final T20I match against India – which could define the series that is currently tied at 1-1 – but he might not be brought into the team given how Hales won them the second T20I.

“Alex always makes it difficult (to drop him), particularly in T20 cricket,” Morgan said.

“He’s played a lot for us – he’s one of our highest runscorers, a very experienced campaigner An innings like that tonight makes him a pretty strong case for the next game.”

When Morgan was asked about whether he knows where could play Stokes in the next game, he said: “No – that’s the simple answer.”

He also lauded the all-rounder as a good player but also stated that whatever the decision will be, it would be for the betterment of the team.

“Ben’s obviously a fantastic player, and there will be a difficult decision to make.

“We’ve made calls like this in the past, but we hope we’ll make it for the betterment of the team – and put out our strongest XI.”