“He deserves his opportunity at the top of the order to try and make that spot his own”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England head coach Trevor Bayliss has confirmed that Alex Hales will open the batting with captain Alastair Cook during the first Test against South Africa, which takes place in Durban on Boxing Day.

Hales has impressed in the shorter formats of the game and will now make his Test debut on December 26 and become Cook’s new opening partner.

“Halesy has been with the squad for the last couple of series without getting a game,” Bayliss said. “He’s the only other opener in the squad so I doubt very much anyone else will take that slot. He deserves his opportunity at the top of the order to try and make that spot his own.”

Nick Compton and Gary Ballance will be involved in a battle for the number three spot, but Bayliss made it clear that both men will be given an opportunity to prove their worth.

“We’ve got two very important practice matches before the first Test which could go a long way towards finalising that position,” he said.

Bayliss also revealed that all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to make his comeback as he has recovered from the collarbone joint injury he sustained on the first day of the third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah.

“I’m pretty confident that he will be fine. He’s not a guy who complains about it too much,” Bayliss said. “He’s been batting and bowling now for a few weeks. We just have to get a few overs out of him in competition and a few hours from him with his batting.”