Bell, 24, was taken to a Brisbane [ Images ] hospital for precautionary x-rays after being struck in the Gabba [ Images ] nets by paceman James Anderson [ Images ], throwing a scare into the camp two days before the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

England released a statement saying the scans had cleared Bell of any breaks but his hand was heavily bruised and the injury would be reassessed on Wednesday.

Bell, who scored a century in England's last warm-up match against South Australia [ Images ], was expected to be promoted up the order to bat at number three after opener Marcus Trescothick [ Images ] returned home last week.

If Bell was ruled out, England would be forced to reshuffle their batting line-up again.

The most likely replacement would be uncapped Ed Joyce, who was added to the squad as a replacement for Trescothick.

Michael Vaughan [ Images ] arrived in Brisbane on Monday afternoon but is not expected to be fit until the third Test while he continues his recovery from knee surgery.