Hope he's fit in time, nothing against Joyce but he just aint's been arround the Internationl scene long enough.

I think England [just] had enough to keep the Ashes even with G O Jones, but is this a blow to many if Bell in injured, and also has this caught Fletcher unaware bringing in Joyce rather than keyI doubt he forsaw this.
Full details click here

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Ern

But Ern, the only advantage of Key is that he is some (limited) experience of Tests. He has a Test average of just 30, averages 17 against Australia, has one score of note against a very poor West Indies side. His County average is just above 40.

Joyce may not have the experience at Test level, but has a superior County average (47) and has ODI experience. So why the panic?

If, and this is only a big IF, Bell is deemed to be injured we really do need to strengthen the batting with experience. I really think if we call someone else up, Butcher MUST be the man (obviously he can't make the first test - but if Bell is out for longer).

Steady on ... he's played three ODIs - one against Ireland - so he's had a taste of it.

Joyce is, without doubt, a quality player. But this would be a tough task for anyone. Personally, and I never thought I'd even think it, let alone say it, I'd be more confident with a Butcher or Ramprakash waiting in the wings. Horses for courses and all that - England's top order is very inexperienced (Pietersen, Cook, Bell, Collingwood all with - I think - less than twenty Tests). I have no problem with that - would just rather we didn't add to the inexperience in the case of injury. Anyway, BBC seemed quite hopeful he'd be fit to play, so hopefully no cause for panic.

I think having both Cook and Joce in the top 3 is steching Englands inexperienced batting just one step to far, both are bright prospects, but I think this series is beyond them.
Agreed Butcher would be an obvious choice, but I would settle for Ed Smith or key, we need some experience up there, Trescothick having to go home makes it that England HAVE to be injury free.

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Ern

Apparently his wrist has been badly bruised but xrays show its not broken so even if he is out it will be for the first test, that in itself could be tough for england tho he is mr dependable.

You may breathe again Ern i think hes gonna be ok

It will be tough, if his hand swells up with bruising, then he may not be able to play, and will cwertainly be hampered.

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Ern

yes i think this is gonna be a bigger blow than tresco really.. if it happens so that he cant play

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The noises coming from the England camp did not seem too concerning. "Heavy Bruising" seems to be the problem.

I get the feeling Bell will be ready, but isn't it so typical with England tours that as soon as we think we know what the XI will be, a injury occurs to one of the few players in form!!

Hey Boys, Girls and Ern (I'm still not sure about you, you secretive minx!), relax! If Bell is injured Joyce will not let you down - he's a good lad, with sound technique. All will be well.

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I'll have the Mouseburger please, with a side of Goldfish.