England batsman Ian Bell cleared of serious injury after X-ray
England batsman Ian Bell was today cleared of serious injury to his left wrist and is expected to take his place in the side to face Pakistan in the first Test in Dubai starting tomorrow.
Bell was struck on the left wrist at nets and taken for an X-ray but the results of that have shown no lasting damage.
"Bell's X-ray on his wrist was clear and at this stage we expect him to play to play tomorrow," an ECB spokeswoman told Press Association Sport.
An England spokesman had earlier described the X-ray as "precautionary" but the news will nevertheless come as a huge relief, with Bell a lynchpin of England's batting line-up during their ascent to the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings.
There was also good news for England regarding Stuart Broad, who took full part in practice this morning.
Broad, hit on the foot in the nets yesterday, appeared to show no discomfort from the bruising sustained then as he bowled on the edge of the square.
The first-choice seamer's fitness will have a major bearing on England's selection as they pore over whether they need a second spinner for Test cricket in the conditions.
Captain Andrew Strauss was giving nothing away on that score today.
"You have to pick the right balance of the team to win the Test match," he said.
"If it's going to turn a hell of a lot, two spinners becomes an option."
PA
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