Moeen likely to open in first Pakistan Test

KARACHI: All-rounder Moeen Ali was unable to impress much with the bat in England’s second warm-up game against Pakistan A but it seems that the tourists see him as one of their key man at the top of the order.
Trevor Bayliss, England’s head coach, said in an interview that his team will “more than likely” open with the left-hander in the first Test against Pakistan which is scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi from October 13.
Moeen fell twice in a day on the final day of England’s second warm-up against Pakistan A, making just seven and 13 as the tourists batted all day regardless of wickets lost.
But Alex Hales, Moeen’s main rival for the spare opener’s role, managed only nine in what is his only innings to date on the tour of the United Arab Emirates.
Asked afterwards whether Moeen is the likelier partner for Alastair Cook come Tuesday morning, Bayliss said: “We haven’t actually sat down and made a final decision - it’s a tough one - but I think more than likely [it will be] that way. That’s probably giving something away there!”
Moeen batted at No 8 during the Ashes and goes into the three-match series as England’s No 1 spinner, although Adil Rashid is also in line to feature.
Bayliss said: “He’s obviously got to bowl as well, and we’ve got to take that into consideration.
“We know as well what an explosive player Alex Hales can be at the top of the order, and I think it’ll be important to get away at the top of the order against that new ball.
“But certainly Moeen showed during the Ashes he’s good under pressure and can play pace and spin. “I’ll sit down with the selectors out here over the next couple of days and finalise that team.”