Opening batsman Alex Hales has revealed his disappointment at missing out on “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” of representing England on home soil at last year’s 50-over World Cup.

The tournament was won by England but without Hales, who was omitted from the squad after receiving a ban for recreational drug use.

Hales, a regular presence in England’s squads leading up to the tournament, was subsequently on the outer when England claimed their first 50-over World Cup title with a historic win over New Zealand at Lord’s last July.

“It was an incredibly tough time,” Hales – who has seven international hundreds to his name – told the Daily Mail. “When you lose your place in the side leading up to a World Cup on home soil – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and to miss out on that is hugely, hugely disappointing.

“I am always going to have a part of me that thinks, ‘I should have been part of that if I hadn’t made a few errors in my personal life’. But at the same time, you look back on what the guys achieved and it’s nothing short of what they deserve. The determination, hard work and talent in that team was incredibly special. Obviously, it’s gutting to not get the final showcase at the World Cup, but to be a part of that for three or four years, I am very proud of that.

“Initially it was tough, but I don’t find it tough to watch back now. It’s something the whole country should be proud of. The game of cricket in this country is a lot bigger than my feelings.”

Hales has not received an international call-up since his World Cup omission. England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan said earlier this week that the “door is open” for a possible return, but it remains dependent on whether the Notts batsman can regain the trust of his teammates which was damaged at the time of his axing.

“I just hope the damage that’s been done isn’t terminal and I get another bite of the cherry,” Hales said.

“This is the best I’ve played in my career,” Hales said. “My England career has been pretty good so far in T20 and that’s not even playing to the best of my ability. I’d love to get that chance again. I’ve moved on and grown from the mistakes I’ve made in my private life and hopefully people can forgive and forget. Hopefully I get that chance again because I feel I’m in a good head space.”