Hales to return to action in Ten10 League

England opener Alex Hales, who has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the Bristol incident, is all set to return to action with this week's inaugural Ten10 League in the UAE.

The 28-year-old had been present in Bristol Mbargo's nightclub, where team vice-captain Ben Stokes was arrested after a wild street brawl,

which allegedly inflicted bodily harm on a man.

The pair was suspended indefinitely by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pending the outcome of a police investigation into the matter.

As a result, Hales and Stokes missed the final two ODIs of the five-match series against West Indies, with Stokes subsequently also being withdrawn from England's Ashes squad.

Earlier this month, Stokes returned to competitive cricket after New Zealand's domestic side Canterbury signed the all-rounder as their overseas player.

Meanwhile, Hales was informed last week that he was no longer under police investigation and has now been granted a no-objection certificate (NoC) by the ECB to play for Maratha Arabians in the T10 League.

"I was disappointed not to be out there on the [Ashes] trip. But if I was out there, obviously I wouldn't be here. When one door closes, another one opens," ESPNcricinfo quoted Hales as saying.

Reflecting on the league, the opening batsman believes the format will suit his hard-hitting game, however, admitting that the pressure to keep the scoreboard ticking will be intense.

"Being tall with long arms helps me get under the ball, so I've got some things in my favour.But there will be more pressure because you haven't got as long to get in as you usually would," he said.

"In T20, if you face two or three dot balls, you have a little bit of time to build your innings, but 10 overs will creep up on you very quickly," Hales added.

Hales was earlier named in England's ODI squad to tour Australia and New Zealand in the New Year.