• Hales backed to open Test with Alastair Cook but fails against Invitational XI
• Warm-up before first Test against South Africa hit by electrical stormIf anyone is qualified to defend the pedigree of Alex Hales as a potential Test opener it is James Taylor,who has witnessed first-hand his county team-mate’s development in long-form cricket over the past two seasons at Nottinghamshire.
Hales may hold failed in this weather-shortened opening three-day tour match in South Africa, dismissed twice for eight after being backed by Trevor Bayliss, and Englands coach,to become captain Alastair Cook’s latest opening partner when the first Test starts in Durban on Boxing Day.
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Source: theguardian.com