Bell and Broad passed fit

Date released: 16 January 2012

Bell was sent for a scan after being hit Ian Bell and Stuart Broad gave England a fitness boost ahead of the opening Test of the series with Pakistan.

Broad gave Andrew Strauss’ men a scare ahead of the Dubai clash when he struck a Jimmy Anderson yorker against his own foot while batting in the nets.

But while the 25-year-old fast-bowler played a full part in the final training session and appears highly likely to play, Bell was sent for a precautionary x-ray after being struck on the wrist.

He was later declared fit though after returning from hospital, and is expected to take his place at number five, with Jonathan Trott resuming at number three.

Decisions

The England camp has been typically tight-lipped about their selection for the Test.

Chris Tremlett, who last played for England against India at Lord’s last year, appeared to emerge as the most likely candidate though, after being one of five bowlers to train on the square on Monday.

Panesar could play his first Test since 2009 Tremlett’s fellow seamers, Steven Finn, the initial favourite to replace Bresnan, and Graham Onions watched on from the sidelines.

Among the five was left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, who starred with eight wickets as England completed a warm-up victory over a PCB XI.

England have reached no.1 status in Test match cricket under Strauss and coach Andy Flower with a three seamer, one spinner combination and it seems unlikely to change – despite Graeme Swann’s calls for Panesar to be selected.

But the combination of Panesar’s form and the likelihood of a docile track in Dubai could yet persuade them to change from the tried and tested method.

Strauss admitted that Panesar, who last played a Test against Australia in 2009, had opened up a different selection avenue but said conditions would dictate the final decision:

“The team depends on the state of the wicket,” he said.

“As always we pick the team which will have right balance to win the Test match. Monty bowled exceptionally well and it was fantastic to see that.

“We all know what a quality bowler he is but you pick the side you think is going to fit the conditions and allows you to win the game and that is what we will do tomorrow.”