Sir Ian Botham has claimed that Alex Hales deserves the opportunity to display his skills in Test cricket.
England are expected to bring in a new opening partner for Alastair Cook when they travel to the UAE to face Pakistan, and Moeen Ali has already been tipped for a promotion.
However, Botham believes that Nottinghamshire batsman Hales could impress in the longest format of the game.
"England have got themselves into a mess for the opener's position. Adam Lyth's form in The Ashes was poor but a lot of that was down to the fact he didn't get to play in the Caribbean last winter when he could have gained some valuable experience," the former England all-rounder told Sky Sports News.
"Hales has been talked about for some time, he's a very positive player, so it's may be time for him to have a go."
England meet Pakistan in the first of three Test matches on October 13 in Abu Dhabi.
Callum Mulvihill
