Trevor Bayliss hints at Moeen Ali promotion for first Test

England coach Trevor Bayliss has indicated that Moeen Ali will open the batting when his side begin their Test series against Pakistan. Yet with Alex Hales, who made nine from 13 balls here, the only other alternative Moeen appears the least-worst option.

England also have concerns over the form of Buttler, although he enjoyed a lengthier spell in the middle after batting for a second time in Sharjah on Friday, and Bayliss was not able to guarantee his place.

But it was to no avail as Moeen, dismissed for eight in the morning, was trapped lbw for 12 in the afternoon.

England will gamble on Moeen Ali making a huge leap from eight to the top of the batting order and become Alastair Cook’s new opening partner in the first Test even though he has never performed the role before in a first-class match.

“I think at this stage Mo has probably got his nose in front”, said Bayliss.

“It’s probably not ideal”, said Bayliss.

“He’s obviously got to bowl as well, and we’ve got to take that into consideration”, he added.

“Mo has shown that he is a good player against spin, he can play the pace bowling and he handled the pressure during the Ashes series”.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a problem position because Mo is a good enough player that he could actually be the answer”, Bayliss said.

Moeen hit seven in the first innings, though did get to bat again later in the day, as both he and Hales disappointed with a spot alongside Alastair Cook in the first Test against Pakistan on Tuesday up for grabs. Although the Yorkshireman looks favourite to keep his place at No5 in England’s team for the first Test, he could move down the order in place of Buttler if Bayliss and Cook chose to select James Taylor. It is one Buttler has struggled with of late, the 25-year-old continuing his poor run with the bat when he scored one in the opening warm-up match on Monday.

On Friday, he was dismissed for eight, then returned to reach stumps unbeaten on 31.

Asked if Buttler will definitely be picked next week, Bayliss said: “I can’t confirm that”. “His form has been a concern and for him as well”. But it was good to see him out there looking like he was getting his touch back and scoring a few runs.

“We’ll be looking to get off to a good start – and if Mo can play his natural game, that gives us the ability to get off to those good starts”.

Bairstow scored an unbeaten 66 in England’s first warm-up game but was out for a duck yesterday.

Should Bairstow play in Buttler’s place, it could allow England to play both him and Taylor in the same XI.

The team for the first Test is set to be finalised in the coming days as England prepare to play their first series since they defeated Australia on home soil to regain the Ashes during the summer. “Nothing’s off the table just yet”.