Brendan McCullum tips Moeen Ali to open batting for England

New Zealand captain Brendan McCullum has suggested that Moeen Ali should open the batting for England in their forthcoming Test series against Pakistan.

The second opener's spot alongside captain Alastair Cook is up for grabs after Adam Lyth was omitted from the 16-man squad that will tour the United Arab Emirates, with Alex Hales and Zafar Ansari brought in as potential replacements.

McCullum, who faced Ali during New Zealand's Test and one-day series with England earlier this summer, says that the Warwickshire player should be moved up the order.

"I would put Moeen Ali up there for the UAE and move him down for South Africa," he told The Guardian. "You can't be too stubborn. It's like a horse, you can't take it around the world and expect it to run the same race. You need to be flexible with game-plans and selection. "Without doubt I would open the batting with Moeen Ali."

The first Test begins in Abu Dhabi on October 13.