Michael Atherton: 'Alex Hales picked due to aggressive style'

Former England captain Michael Atherton has stated that bringing Alex Hales into the Test squad is the right move.

The Nottinghamshire player has received his first Test call-up for the forthcoming series against Pakistan, and could open the batting alongside captain Alastair Cook after incumbent Adam Lyth was left out of the 16-man party.

Atherton has said that England coach Trevor Bayliss has gone with Hales because he wants aggressive batsmen in the side.

"England may yet go with Moeen Ali at the top of the order," Atherton told Sky Sports News. "But what I think what may have swayed the selectors is not only Hales' first-class form but the fact Trevor Bayliss likes aggressive players who will ask questions of the bowlers.

"I have some sympathy for Lyth; he can't complain because he didn't do enough in the summer but having played against a top-class attack on some difficult pitches I might have kept him in the team.

"It's very difficult to say the selectors are bang on or have got it wrong, though, as there are four of five openers there who are all much of a muchness."

The three-match Test series against Pakistan will take place in the United Arab Emirates next month.