Pakistan A v England

ByPA Sport

Published 08/10/2015 at 06:00 GMT

Alex Hales was given a chance to force his way into the reckoning as a possible opener in next week's first Test when he was named to do the job alongside Moeen Ali in England's final warm-up match.

Alex Hales was given a chance to impress as an opener for England

Image credit: PA Sport

The pair must wait to prove themselves as contenders to open with Alastair Cook in Abu Dhabi, however, after the tourists agreed to field first in the two-day fixture against Pakistan A in Sharjah.

James Taylor will also have an opportunity at number four, in a batting XI minus Cook and including - down the order - Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett and Steven Finn.

England have therefore found a way of involving all 16 squad members at some stage in this week's two tour matches before the first Test against Pakistan.

Cricket