2016: 10 most prolific batsmen in world cricket across all formats so far

#5 Alex Hales (Eng) 1,166 runs at 35.33 in 26 matches. 2x100s, 9x50s. HS: 133no

Runs breakdown – Test: 537 at 28.26, ODI: 520 at 74.28, T20: 109 at 15.57

Alex Hales’s ODI form has been a revelation in the year so far

Second to only Joe Root among his compatriots on this list, Hales' ODI form has been a revelation for England this year. This has likely paved the way for his extended opportunities in the Test side, in which his record is far less flattering. Brutal and belligerent at his best, Hales is topped only by Steve Smith and Root in 2016 in ODI runs, having begun the year with four straight half-centuries - including a 99 - against the Proteas and finishing that series with a deserved hundred.

Another followed against Sri Lanka, and it will be interesting to see which way the big-hitting right-hander goes under the coaching of Trevor Bayliss; a limited-overs blaster or a batsman capable of adapting his game effectively to Test cricket as well.

The ODI form of Alex Hales has been a revelation in the year so far and he is only 2nd to Joe Root among his compatriots in this list. His prolific run in ODIs was instrumental in giving him extended opportunities at the Test level but the results have been far from impressive.

Destructive at the top of the order, Hales is bettered only by Joe Root and Steven Smith as the top run-scorer in ODIs in 2016, a year which began with four straight half-centuries including a 99 which was followed by a well-deserved century in the last game. Given his brilliant form in the shorter version, it will be interesting to see whether Hales goes on to become an ODI specialist or a batsman capable of adapting to his game effectively to Test cricket as well.