'It's very much a breakthrough innings. I'm very pleased for him'
Saturday 14 November 2015 10:28, UK
Sir Ian Botham believes Alex Hales has booked his place as an opening batsman on England's Test tour to South Africa after hitting his maiden one-day international hundred.
Hales hit 109 from 117 balls with seven fours and three sixes as England levelled the four-match series with a 95-run win over Pakistan in the second ODI in Abu Dhabi.
"It's very much a breakthrough innings," said Botham. "His shot selection was explosive at times, but he also played sensibly, rotating the strike well at times.
"I'm very pleased for him. He deserved his chance and he has cemented that opener's spot in South Africa today I think.
"I'm hoping he can continue to do well in this series, and then carry it on over there.
"We know that Moeen Ali is not going to open in South Africa with the extra pace and bounce out there. And Hales, from what I have seen of him playing, has enough about him to see that off.
"When he does, he'll score, and big runs too."
Botham also reserved praise for Hales' opening partner Jason Roy (54), who hit his third ODI fifty in 12 innings in a century stand between the two.
"It was an excellent partnership," added Botham. "They had Pakistan scampering all over the place.
"They played magnificently, hit the ball hard and into strange areas, making it difficult for Pakistan. And it was nice to see Pakistan's spinners under the cosh.
"Yasir Shah bowled nine overs for 70, and you could see England's attitude and approach to the innings had changed.
"I thought it was as well as I've seen them play spin in a long time."
Watch the third ODI between Pakistan and England from 10.30am, Tuesday, Sky Sports 2. You can also watch via NOW TV.
