Moeen Ali has indicated he would like to open the batting for England on a permanent basis as he prepares for tomorrow's second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.
The Worcestershire all-rounder was promoted from number eight to open alongside Alastair Cook in the first Test in Abu Dhabi and scored 35 as part of a century stand.
Moeen made 11 in the second innings as England fell just short of an unlikely victory as bad light ended proceedings.
The 28-year-old said: "It would be good for the team if I can do that (open the batting) – for the balance of the side.
"You could always play two spinners.
"In the first innings I really enjoyed it. It was a little bit slow but I felt it was about getting the team off to a good start after Pakistan had got 500-plus.
"It was great to come off the field and go straight out to bat.
"My role is to score runs at the top of the order, get the team off to a good start and then hopefully bowl the opposition out.
"I just want to keep giving England a good start, which is really important here."
Moeen and leg-spinner Adil Rashid returned combined figures of 0-284 in the first innings in Abu Dhabi, but shared seven wickets in Pakistan's second innings.
Moeen said: "We grew up together and we are a similar age but it's about doing a job for England.
"With the one-dayers in the summer we kind of got used to it a little bit but it's nice to have another spinner, just so we can speak to each other and rub off each other a little bit."
Moeen hopes to see more pace in the wicket in Dubai.
He said: "It would be nice in terms of my bowling. Batting would be tougher but I don't mind that and it would be good for the game and good for the people watching."
