Bell's recovery boosts England's hopes of making a good start

The 24-year-old was doubtful after being hit by a delivery from seamer James Anderson during practice.

But unless there is an adverse reaction to his workout the in-form right-hander looks set to start on Thursday.

Irish-born Ed Joyce was standing by to make his Test debut at the Gabba but that now looks unlikely to happen.

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The loss of Bell would have been a blow to England and forced another batting rethink.

After Marcus Trescothick's withdrawal following a recurrence of his stress-related illness, he was lined up for a promotion to three, the position from which he made 132 in the last warm-up match against South Australia.

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The Warwickshire youngster struggled against the Aussies in 2005 but he has since re-established himself in the middle order.