England coach Trevor Bayliss has confirmed that Alex Hales will open the batting in the first Test against South Africa.

Hales has been on the fringes of the side for most of 2015, but England decided against handing the Nottinghamshire batsman his debut in the series in Pakistan, with Moeen Ali partnering Alastair Cook at the top of the order.

However, the 26-year-old will now be given his opportunity to impress in the longest format when he makes his debut on Boxing Day in Durban.

"He's the only other opener in the squad so I doubt very much anyone else will take that slot," Bayliss told reporters. "He deserves his opportunity at the top of the order to try and make that spot his own."

Hales averages 38.71 from 85 first-class matches.