England allay Bell injury concerns
June 15, 2012 15:29:18 UK
England hope Ian Bell will be fit to take part in England’s opening one-day international against the West Indies after a ball hit him on the chin in practice.
The Warwickshire batsman suffered the blow in an indoor nets session and was taken to hospital, which led to concerns over whether he would be able to play on Saturday. He has had stitches in the wound and will be assessed in the morning.
We'll announce the team at the toss like we normally do, we'll just have to play that one by ear.
Alastair Cook
Bell had only been recalled to the squad this week and was backed to become one of the "very best" by team director Andy Flower. He is now aiming to establish himself in the side following the retirement of Kevin Pietersen and is 5.00 to be England's top batsman on Saturday.
England are 1.80 to win the first match at the Rose Bowl, while the tourists can be backed at 2.00.
"He was playing a pull shot and he top-edged the ball onto his chin, he's got quite a nasty gash on his chin and a sore jaw, so he's gone to hospital for an X-ray and stitches and we'll know more later this afternoon," captain Alastair Cook told Sky Sports after the incident.
He added: "We'll announce the team at the toss like we normally do, we'll just have to play that one by ear."
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