Alex Hales has admitted he may never be a world-class Test cricketer - but is determined to prove he can reach the pinnacle of the white-ball game.
The 30-year-old Nottinghamshire opener was a key member of England's one-day international team until the ban and fine he received for his involvement in the incident which ultimately saw all-rounder Ben Stokes acquitted of affray cost him his place.
He remains part of the set-up ahead of this summer's World Cup and believes the shorter forms of the game are better suited to his talents after struggling to reproduce his best form in 11 Test appearances.
Hales told the Guardian: "I think there are only a handful of players who can be truly world-class at all three formats and having played all three, I'm not one of them. But I think I can be in white-ball."
Hales' rehabilitation after he accepted two cricket disciplinary commission charges of bringing the game into disrepute has proved chastening, and he has had to learn his lesson the hard way, with Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow having formed a lethal opening partnership in his absence.
He said: "I won't lie, there have been days when it has gnawed away at me. The fines and everything were a dent, but the biggest thing was losing my spot.
"The day I found out I wasn't playing (in the final two ODIs against West Indies) I knew Jason would come in and score big runs. He's too good a player. And Jonny was in the best form of his life. I saw it coming and it unfolded in slow motion.
"The last year-and-a-half, there have been ups and a hell of a lot of downs. All I will be focusing on is cricket.
"It's the biggest year in English cricket history. I will be doing everything I can to be the best I can. It's been so special being in this England team and when you lose your spot, you realise it."
Hales admits he's learned his lessons the hard way of being a professional athlete - lesson's he hopes can inspire him to do better on and off the wicket for the reminder of his career.
"It takes 10 seconds to get an image and 10 years to undo it. It just shows, something can escalate from nowhere.
"It was also an eye-opener to how much we are in the public eye as England cricketers. You have to mature and put yourself in the right situations, not be out at 2.30am in the middle of a series. It's a lesson learned the incredibly hard way."
"Sometimes I make mediocre decisions - I always have - but I don't want to make them any more. I'm 30 now, not 20, and I'll be doing whatever I can for the rest of my career to change perceptions."
