'Fit-again' Hales in line to make return against Windies

England swashbuckling opener Alex Hales, who has recovered from a hand fracture he sustained during the ODI series in India, could make a return to the side for the three-match series against West Indies beginning March 3 in Antigua.

The 28-year-old got his right hand injured while diving to attempt a catch off former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni during England's 15-run defeat against India in the second ODI of the three-match series , which the home side went on to clinch by 2-1.

Hales, who missed out on selection for the original squad, is now due to have a scan on the hand on February 27. And if everything goes well - as it is expected - he would head West Indies to join the squad next week.

Even if scans suggests that Hales is not fully ready at the moment to return to action, it is likely that the batsman will continue his rehabilitation with the squad in Antigua and Barbados.

The England's record-breaking opener has notched up three ODI centuries in 2016, including the country's highest individual score of 171 against Pakistan at his home ground of Trent Bridge, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Earlier, Hales was replaced by Sam Billings, who is also expected to open England's innings in the tour's two warm-up games in St Kitts.

Billings' availability could leave the team's selection committee with a tricky decision to be made over whether to recall Hales for the ODIs or give the former an opportunity to cement his place in the squad.