ALEX Hales provided the early innings clout England craved as he made his ODI debut against India on Wednesday.

But it wasn’t enough to stave off defeat at more experienced batters around him fell cheaply.

Hales, who learnt his trade at Amersham CC and Gerrards Cross, was finally promoted from England’s T20 side and proved that he was could handle the longer format of the game as he made a brisk start to his innings.

He scored at just about a run a ball as England set off in pursuit of India’s huge score of 304-6.

Hales hit five fours early in his innings, but when captain Alistair Cook fell for 19 and Ian Bell and Joe Root followed for 1 and 4 respectively, the runs dried up.

Hales eventually fell for 40 from 63 balls.

As it stands England are 106-5 from 27.4 overs.