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.
It follows his promotion from the number eight slot he occupied for the Ashes to partner Alastair Cook in place of Adam Lyth.
The 28-year-old 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 which England must win to level the series starting in Sharjah on Sunday.
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.My philosophy has always been I would like to give somebody one too many go's rather than one too few. Then you find out one way or another.
"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.
"It's a different situation from number eight. You have fresh bowlers with a nice, fresh ball. I suppose you have to be a bit more selective early on, still having that positive mindset, looking to score.
"It might be a case of letting the wider ball go early on."
