Bell Cleared of Fracture

Bell was struck on the arm by James Anderson and was immediately taken to hospital for x-rays which revealed no fracture.

“(Bell’s) hand is heavily bruised and he will be reassessed tomorrow (Wednesday),” a statement from the ECB read.

“It would be a blow but I think we’re talking hypothetically there,” Andrew Strauss said at an England press conference early on Tuesday.

“From what I’ve seen I don’t think it’s going to prevent him playing.”

“We’re very hopeful that he’ll be ready to play.”

Bell’s availability would be a major boost for England, already reeling from Marcus Trescothick’s withdrawal from the tour. Should he be unfit, Ed Joyce is likely to make his Test debut.