Allan Lamb questions Alex Hales' England credentials

Allan Lamb does not believe Alex Hales has the credentials to open for England and said he would be licking his lips if he was a South Africa bowler, with the number three spot also a concern for the tourists.

Hales is poised to make his Test debut when the four-match series starts at Kingsmead next Saturday, but his ability to cut it in the longest format of the game has been called into question.

The Nottinghamshire batsman was out for only eight for the second time in the warm-up match against a South Africa Invitation XI on Wednesday.

Hales will be the eighth different opener to partner Alastair Cook at Test level since Andrew Strauss retired, but former England captain Lamb does not believe the 26-year-old is the man to solve the problem.

Lamb told Omnisport: "He hasn't got the experience. At this stage of the game we've picked [Gary] Ballance and [Nick] Compton, I think they can both open.

"It's leaving us very open with Hales, it's taking a big chance. If they are going to play Ballance at three then it's between Hales and Compton [to open]. If I was a South African quick bowler I would be licking my lips."

Ballance was recalled after being dropped during the Ashes victory, but Lamb expects the left-hander to make his return in Durban.

"They'll definitely pick Ballance at three, [Joe] Root at four and then [James] Taylor at five. We've got a problem with one and three," he added.

"Ballance has got runs before for us and I just think in English conditions when the ball seams around he doesn't get forward, but on these wickets [in South Africa] I think he'll do alright at three, so it's Compton or Hales to open the batting.

"Compton has scored runs before, but he's been shown up a bit. But they've got no-one else to pick from."