ALEX Hales was the fall-guy as England assessed other options at the top of the order in the first match of their World Cup winter.

England began their unbroken schedule of one-day international cricket with a warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at the SSC ground today.

Hales, who made his ODI debut as a power-hitting foil for Alastair Cook in last summer’s Royal London Series defeat against India, was replaced by Worcestershire’s Moeen Ali to be tried alongside the captain.

It was an unexpected move by England, intent on ensuring they identify the right 50-over template in seven ODIs against Sri Lanka over the next four weeks in time for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand early next year.

Coach Peter Moores said: “At the moment, we’re trying to find a settled combination as a team.

“I think anyone who’s watched us play (will know) we haven’t played as well as we want to.

“There are certain slots up for grabs, and it’s a case of people getting a chance to go out and grab them.”