Bell hands England fitness boost

The 24-year-old was doubtful after being hit by a delivery from seamer James Anderson during practice.

But unless there is an adverse reaction to his workout the in-form right-hander looks set to start on Thursday.

Irish-born Ed Joyce was standing by to make his Test debut at the Gabba but that now looks unlikely to happen.

The loss of Bell would have been a blow to England and forced another batting rethink.

After Marcus Trescothick's withdrawal following a recurrence of his stress-related illness, he was lined up for a promotion to three, the position from which he made 132 in the last warm-up match against South Australia.

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The Warwickshire youngster struggled against the Aussies in 2005 but he has since re-established himself in the middle order.

He made three centuries in as many Tests against Pakistan this summer to take his total of runs to 1,287 in 18 Tests at an impressive average of 47.66.

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