Bell is England injury doubt

Opener Ian Bell is an injury doubt for England's NatWest Series clash with New Zealand at The Oval on Wednesday.

The Warwickshire batsman tweaked a knee when playing touch-rugby with his team-mates on the outfield. Bell looked in a degree of pain and was forced to sit out England's subsequent net sessions.

Alastair Cook has recovered from a shoulder problem which forced him out of the first three games of the series and would be a ready-made replacement for Bell if he is unfit.

He had been due to play for Essex in the Twenty20 Cup against Sussex on Tuesday evening before rejoining up with England. But now Cook will remain with the England squad which suggest Bell's injury is of more than just a passing concern.

Skipper Paul Collingwood is confident his side will cope however saying: "We have got matchwinners in there, we've got people who can go in and nudge it around, we cover all bases and certainly that top six can be a formidable unit when we all click."

Of Bell's injury, he added: "I thought he was being a bit of a (Didier) Drogba. That might be a bit harsh if he's not playing on Wednesday but I think it was just a twisted knee."

Paceman Ryan Sidebottom is also fit to face the Kiwis after recovering from a back strain.

New Zealand have received a major boost with all-rounder Jacob Oram fit to play for the first time in the series.

Oram has recovered from the hamstring injury which led to Grant Elliott, who had been playing for Weybridge in the Surrey League, being called into the squad.

Brendon McCullum is likely to revert to being 'keeper to allow Oram's inclusion at the expense of Gareth Hopkins.