The Ashes: Ian Bell Poised to Play After Coming Through Practice Unscathed

England have been handed a timely lift on the eve of the first Ashes Test after batsman Ian Bell successfully came through his fitness test at the Gabba.

Bell provided the tourists with a major scare yesterday when he was hit on the left wrist batting in the nets against James Anderson. An x-ray revealed he had suffered heavy bruising from the blow, but Bell practised for some time at today's net session to virtually guarantee his place in England's line-up for the opening Test, starting tonight.

He will be monitored for any reaction to today's session in the morning, but it looks almost certain he will retain his place, thus avoiding Middlesex's Ed Joyce being pressed into his Test debut in dramatic circumstances.

Bell's eagerness to prove his fitness is a common theme throughout the England squad, who are desperate to end the long wait for another crack at Australia 14 months after last year's historic series win. "The hype surrounding this series seems to have been going on for ages and now we're one day away from what could be the biggest series ever," said the captain Andrew Flintoff. "Myself and the team just want to get started. There has been a lot written and a lot said and now it's time to get out onto the pitch and play some cricket. It's nice that it's all come to an end almost and we can actually get out there and have a bat and a bowl."

Bell's successful practice session this morning leaves England with just one dilemma to solve - which of their two left-arm spinners should complete their attack. Monty Panesar has provided a compelling case for his inclusion with 32 wickets in his opening 10 Tests, but Ashley Giles is a proven performer over some time and is a better batsman even though he has not played in a year after hip and hernia problems.

Giles had his index finger checked over by physio Kirk Russell today after suffering a slight knock during catching practice but no problem was reported and he was able to continue batting in the nets afterwards. "He is fine and available for selection," confirmed an ECB spokesman.

Whoever is selected can expect rousing support from the thousands of England fans who have made the trip out to Brisbane and have made the city feel like a home from home for the team. "I went out for dinner last night and had a walk around Brisbane with the family and the amount of people I bumped into from Preston or wherever has been amazing - it's almost like I'm at home!" added Flintoff. "The fans have supported us now for a long time and this series is something they're very excited about. You get a sense of that just by speaking to people or seeing them walking around in their England shirts."

England are not expected to make an announcement about their final line-up until the very last minute.