England hit by Bell rugby injury
Bell has picked up a knee injury
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Tuesday, 24, Jun 2008 10:10
A game of touch-rugby has been blamed for the potential loss of limited-overs opener Ian Bell from England's team for the fourth one-day international against New Zealand.
Established Test opener Alistair Cook, who has himself just come back from an enforced lay-off with a shoulder problem, is being tipped to replace Warwickshire man Bell, who may miss out with a knee injury.
Ryan Sidebottom is also in line for a recall after recovering from a stiff back.
James Anderson or Chris Tremlett could be omitted to make way for England's lynchpin seamer.
Meanwhile, New Zealand welcome back all-rounder Jacob Oram, a valuable member of their set-up in the shorter form of the game.
Oram has overcome a side strain which accounted for his absence in the first three games of the series, while big-hitting Brendon McCullum is expected to step back into his role as wicketkeeper with Gareth Hopkins missing out.
The series stands at 1-1 after England failed to reach the Black Caps' generous total of 183 in Saturday's game at Bristol, being bowled out for a disappointing 160.