Chris Woakes backs Alex Hales to shine for England

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has backed Alex Hales to shine in the upcoming Test series with South Africa despite the would-be opener struggling in the tour match on Wednesday.

Hales failed for the second time against a South African XI in Potchefstroom as he was dismissed for eight " the same score he hit in the first innings " by Junior Dala trying to fend off a short delivery.

England have another warm-up match " against South Africa A " before the first Test in Durban on December 26, with Hales hoping to get a prolonged spell at the crease ahead of his expected debut in the long form of the game.

Woakes " who took 1-35 with the ball on Wednesday " believes Hales is still the right man to open alongside captain Alastair Cook and expects his form to return.

"He probably hasn't had the time in the middle he'd like, but we're only two days into the tour and there's plenty of time to get into nick," he told Sky Sports.

"He's a great player and he deserves his opportunity.

"Fingers crossed in the next week or two before the first Test he can get some more time out there and show what he can do."