AUSTRALIA: CRICKET - Ian Bell doubtful for first Ashes after being injured in practice.

England batsman Ian Bell remains a doubt for this week's first Ashes test despite being cleared of any fractures after injuring his wrist during practice on Tuesday (November 21). Bell, 24, was taken to a Brisbane hospital for precautionary x-rays after being struck in the Gabba nets by paceman James Anderson, throwing a scare into the camp two days before the first Ashes test in Brisbane. England released a statement saying the scans had cleared Bell of any breaks but his hand was heavily bruised and the injury would be reassessed on Wednesday. Bell, who scored a century in England's last warm-up match against South Australia, was expected to be promoted up the order to bat at number three after opener Marcus Trescothick returned home last week. If Bell was ruled out, England would be forced to reshuffle their batting line-up again. The most likely replacement would be uncapped Ed Joyce, who was added to the squad as a replacement for Trescothick. Michael Vaughan arrived in Brisbane on Monday afternoon but is not expected to be fit until the third test while he continues his recovery from knee surgery. England vice-captain Andrew Strauss played down worries over Bell saying it would be a blow if he missed the match. "But I think we're talking hypothetically there. He's taken a blow on the wrist today but from what I've seen I don't think it's going to prevent him playing," said Strauss. Strauss was obviously relishing the challenge ahead. "I think the fact that it's the top two teams in the world now adds an extra spice to it and all these things combine. We know we're going to have a massive following of supporters out here and the Aussies are going to be right behind their team and I don't think there's a more competitive series out there." Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist said the series had been in the Australian players' minds since the tiny Ashes trophy was handed over to England when they clinced the series at the Oval in 2005.

ITN Source | November 22, 2006