Alex Hales was unable to prevent England suffering a hugely surprising defeat yesterday as they lost by six runs to minnows Scotland.

Set 372 to win, England slipped up to 365 all out, thus securing a famous win for their arch-rivals.

Former Chesham Grammar School student Hales came in at number three and eased to 52 before giving his wicket away to a poor shot.

Hales also was culpable in the dismissal of Joe Root, with his poor call leaving Root a yard short of his ground and he was run out.

After a below-par season so far for his county Notts, Hales looked to be finding some form and his three huge sixes in his innings.

However, a long-hop from Richie Berrington saw Hales slash straight to backward point.

England looked, at one stage, to be cruising to their target as an explosive 100 by Jonny Bairstow set the tone in the early stages.

Unfortunately, England lost wickets at regular intervals and the target was just beyond them in the end.

England now face Australia in a five-match series, beginning on Wednesday.