England have been given a timely lift for the first Ashes Test with injured batsman Ian Bell successfully coming through his fitness test at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Warwickshire batsman Bell provided the tourists with a major injury scare on Tuesday when he was hit on the left wrist batting in the nets.
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.
He will be monitored for any reaction to Wednesday's session in the morning, but it looks almost certain he will retain his place and avoid Irishman Ed Joyce being pressed into his Test debut in dramatic circumstances.
