SYDNEY, Nov 21: Just hours after England was buoyed by the arrival of former cricket captain Michael Vaughan, the visitors were hit with another injury scare - this time a wrist ailment to Ian Bell.

Bell was hit on the left wrist while batting in the nets against seamer James Anderson at the Gabba on Tuesday, just two days before the start of the first Ashes Test against Australia.

“He's had ice treatment and will have a precautionary x-ray,” a team spokesman said. The x-ray later revealed no break but heavy bruising. He will undergo further treatment and be reassessed Wednesday by team medical officials.

On the Australian injury front, team officials announced Tuesday that allrounder Shane Watson's hamstring strain would keep him out of the first Test. He will be replaced by Michael Clarke, who was drafted into the team last week as cover following Watson's injury.

“He (Watson) has been working hard over the last couple of days to be fit, but it became clear during this afternoon's training session that he would not be fit to start the match,” said team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

“He will continue his rehabilitation program with a view to being fit for the second Test.''—AP