ENGLAND head coach Trevor Bayliss has given his support to Moeen Ali and would like to see the Worcestershire all-rounder “given another opportunity” in the opening batsman role.

Moeen has had scores of 35, 11, 1 and 1 in his four Test innings against Pakistan in the UAE this winter.

The 28-year-old was promoted from the number eight slot he occupied for the Ashes to partner Alastair Cook in place of Adam Lyth.

He had not opened in a first-class match until asked to do so on this current tour.

But Bayliss would like him to continue in the position in the Third Test in Sharjah from Sunday, which England must win to level the series.

Bayliss said: “As everyone is aware, the opening batting position hasn’t been a success as yet. Personally, I think I’d like to give Moeen another opportunity.

“He’s a quality player. Yes, he’s in a position he’s a little unfamiliar with, but he’s a guy who wants to do it. To me, someone who wants to go out there and do it, that’s a guy you want in your team.”

Meanwhile, County director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, explained the role played by Moeen after a whole host of players signed new contracts.

Moeen penned a new County five-year deal just before the start of the 2014 campaign. He spoke to the players about the importance of “sticking together” and how they could enhance their own England prospects at New Road.

Young promising players Joe Clarke, Ed Barnard, Tom Fell, Joe Leach, Ross Whiteley, Brett D’Oliveira, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Charlie Morris all put pen to paper between August and late September.

Rhodes said: “If you look back at our best players, Mitch (Daryl Mitchell) and Moeen were two who put pen to paper for a reasonable amount of time (four and five years) before all this happened this year.

“I think it was pretty apt that I try and get Moeen involved in that. He is a centrally-contracted England player now and so well respected in the dressing room.

“People questioned his decision (signing new deal at Worcestershire) and he had very good reasons for that, which was opportunities. If he can get opportunities, he can impress and then can play for England. That was the reason for getting him involved.

“He added a little bit extra, talking about some of the lads in the England dressing room, who at various stages throughout the year had commented about some of the standards of some of the individuals we have got and our young players.

“Hearing that, the lads really grew in confidence and their chests stuck out.”