England coach Trevor Bayliss says Moeen Ali will "more than likely" open the batting in next week's first Test against Pakistan, despite failing to impress in two tour matches.

Ahead of a pair of two-day fixtures with Pakistan A, Moeen and Alex Hales were said to be in a straight shootout for a place at the top of the order alongside captain Alastair Cook.

And although both Moeen and Hales fell cheaply in Sharjah on Friday, during England's final day of warm-up action, a clue to Cook's likely partner was provided when Moeen returned for a second stint at the crease - amid relaxed rules.

The all-rounder was unable to capitalise on his fresh opportunity, a second dismissal leaving him with 42 runs from three innings this week.

Yet when asked if Moeen was set to open against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, Bayliss told Sky Sports News: "We haven't actually sat down and made a final decision - it's a tough one - but I think more than likely [it will be] that way. That's probably giving something away there.

"He [Moeen] has obviously got to bowl as well, and we've got to take that into consideration.

"We know as well what an explosive player Alex Hales can be at the top of the order, and I think it'll be important to get away at the top of the order against that new ball.

"But certainly Moeen showed during the Ashes he's good under pressure and can play pace and spin. I'll sit down with the selectors out here over the next couple of days and finalise that team."

Moeen served as England's number eight during the recent Ashes series, although many felt the 28-year-old was wasted so far down the order.

Bayliss does not believe it would be a risk to promote Moeen, in light of an apparent lack of options after Adam Lyth struggled against Australia and was dropped.

"I'm not sure it would be a gamble," Bayliss is quoted as saying by the BBC.

"Yes, we would like an out-and-out opener putting his hand up, but there doesn't seem to be a stand-out.

"It needs a bit of consistency. It takes a little while to find that bloke, we'll keep trying to find him."