England on defensive over Hales

England have been forced on to the defensive after just a few days in Sri Lanka, with Alastair Cook and Peter Moores having to explain the decision to leave Alex Hales out of Friday's opening warm-up match.

Ahead of seven ODIs against Sri Lanka, England appear to have taken the cautious approach once again by promoting Moeen Ali to open alongside Cook. Moeen, like Hales, is still finding his way in ODI cricket but offers a spin-bowling option that has edged him ahead. He is also a classy batsman but without the same concussive approach as Hales, the only England batsman to have scored a T20 hundred

Could be they are trying various combinations : only 84 days Left to WC.

Moeen present a good opening option.

Hales can drop to middle order for much needed firepower .

after Eon  and Ravi departs .... :-\

I prefer a R/L opening batting combination. Hales gives England some much needed firepower at the top, especially if Cook and Bell are going to be in the side.

Yes , R/L most definitely  !

But should not be cast in stone ...

Cook 54 , Moeen 56

England XI won by 56 runs  (D/L method) 

Moeen 151.35 SR : took 3 wickets off 9 overs and held a catch

Alex who ?  :-[