The Ashes: Bell Injury Worry for England

Ian Bell is an injury concern for England just two days before the Ashes opener in Brisbane.

Bell was hit on the left wrist while batting in the nets against seamer James Anderson at the Gabba on Tuesday, just two days before the start of the first Ashes test against Australia.

"He's had ice treatment and will have a precautionary x-ray," a team spokesman said. The x-ray later revealed no break but heavy bruising. Bell will undergo further treatment and be reassessed Wednesday by team medical officials.

If Bell fails to recover Ed Joyce would come in at No3 for England. Andrew Strauss believes it a role that Joyce would have no problem filling, but is confident Bell will be fit to play.

"Ed is probably one of the coolest, most laid-back people I know," he said. "He's proved for Middlesex a lot of times that under pressure is when he's at his best.

"So if he does have to come in he will do very well but we're still very hopeful that Belly will be fit. The more I see, I don't think it's going to prevent him from playing."

Despite a poor Ashes series in 2005, Bell has flourished in recent Tests for England. He scored three centuries against Pakistan this summer and averages 47.66 in his 18 Tests.

Australia, meanwhile, have injury problems of their own. Team officials announced today that a hamstring strain will keep all-rounder Shane Watson out of the first Test.

"He [Watson] has been working hard over the last couple of days to be fit, but it became clear during this afternoon's training session that he would not be fit to start the match," said team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris. He will continue his rehabilitation program with a view to being fit for the second Test."

The injury to Bell aside, the England camp received a boost today when Michael Vaughan flew out to join the side. Although Vaughan is currently injured, Strauss believes his advice will prove invaluable.

"It would be stupid for us not to use his knowledge," Strauss said. "He was an instrumental factor in us winning the Ashes the last time around. He's got some pretty forthright views as to how best play against Australia, and we'll be chatting to him in the next day or two."

Although Vaughan was originally thought to be out for the series due to knee surgery, he's now believed to be under consideration to play in the third Test in Perth.

Strauss cautioned against building up Vaughan's return, or what England would do with the captaincy if he does play. Andrew Flintoff was named captain for the Ashes series in Vaughan's absence.

"The main reason he's over here is for his own recuperation," Strauss said of Vaughan. "I don't think there is going to be a firm timetable, just a lot of work and testing on his knee before he can even say he's ready."

Meanwhile, fast bowler Steve Harmison, who had to be left out of England's warm-up with South Australia, worked out positively in the nets and is expected to be fit for Thursday.