Sir Ian Botham has backed Alex Hales to open the batting for England in Test cricket - and to score lots of runs in the position.

The 26-year-old Nottinghamshire batsman notched a maiden One-Day International century in the recent series levelling victory over Pakistan.

Botham, who commentated on the innings for Sky Sports, believes Hales is now a near certainty for the red ball series in South Africa.

"It's very much a breakthrough innings," said the former England all-rounder.

"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. 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."

Hales enjoyed an opening stand of 102 with Jason Roy in the 95-run victory at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

The Surrey man contributed 54 to the partnership which set the tone for England’s match-winning total of 283-5 - and Botham was particularly impressed with the way the duo played against slow bowling.

"It was an excellent partnership," he said. "They had Pakistan scampering all over the place.

"They played magnificently, hit the ball hard and into strange areas, making it difficult for Pakistan. It was nice to see Pakistan's spinners under the cosh.

"Yasir Shah bowled nine overs for 70. 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."

 

England are returning to the scene of their Ashes triumph in 2016 for Royal London One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world go toe-to-toe in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge and secure your seats now.