Bell set to miss Pakistan series

England batsman Ian Bell is unlikely to play any part in the forthcoming Test series against Pakistan after fracturing a metatarsal in the second one-day international against Bangladesh in Bristol.

Bell, who only made his return to the limited-overs side in Thursday's victory at Trent Bridge, leapt high in the air attempting a catch at square leg in the 10th over and landed awkwardly on his left foot. He left the field in discomfort moments later and was taken for X-rays, which confirmed he had fractured his fifth metatarsal.

His condition will be reassessed next week but the England and Wales Cricket Board expect him to be out of action for at least six weeks, rendering his chances of featuring against Pakistan virtually nil.

The four-match series begins at Trent Bridge on July 29 and concludes at Lord's from August 26.

Bell's hopes of making this winter's Ashes squad are unlikely to be harmed too much by the news, but it does provide Eoin Morgan with the chance to stake his claim for a slot in the first-choice XI.

Dublin-born Morgan, the emerging star of England's one-day side, made his Test bow against Bangladesh earlier this summer but only because England had rested Paul Collingwood for the series.

With Jonathan Trott helping himself to a double-century against the Tigers, Morgan was the man most vulnerable to Collingwood's return. But he should now get the nod to replace Bell.