England in UAE: Moeen Ali faces big all-round test if he opens against Pakistan
'Moeen unlikely to open in South Africa this winter'
Monday 12 October 2015 18:41, UK
Michael Atherton thinks it will be a 'risk' for England to open with Moeen Ali against Pakistan.
Moeen looks to have beaten off competition from Alex Hales to partner Alastair Cook at the top of the order in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, which is live on Sky Sports from 6.30am on Tuesday.
The Worcestershire player, who batted at No 8 during England's Ashes triumph, will combine the role with his spin-bowling duties.
"It's certainly a risk as Moeen's not an opener and it's a specialist position," Atherton told Sky Sports News HQ on the eve of the three-Test series in the United Arab Emirates.
"You'd think his main role would be as a spinner carrying the heavy burden alongside Adil Rashid in the heat so to ask him to bowl 30 overs and then open the batting will be a significant challenge.
"[Opening] is an area of concern for England, it has been for two or three years, and I think they see Moeen as a short-term option in the UAE that they will move away from in South Africa."
England were blown away by Pakistan three years ago, losing 3-0 with then-wicketkeeper Matt Prior the only batsman to average over 30.
Atherton hopes the pace of the tourists' batting is better this time; around as they aim to become the first side to beat Misbah-ul-Haq's men in a Test series in the Emirates.
"England went into their shells and dug a big deep hole last time. Listening to them speak and play shots in the nets it looks like they will try and be more positive," added the former England skipper.
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"It's not always easy, though, and if the spinners are bowling and the ball goes soft, Misbah can set very defensive fields.
"They key is to find the right tempo - being aggressive on occasions and putting the field back but also having the ability to manoeuvre the field and work the ball around. "
England's tour of the UAE to play Pakistan is live on Sky Sports, starting with the opening Test, in Abu Dhabi, from 6.30am on Tuesday. You can also watch without a contract on NOW TV.
