Injury concerns over Bell (From Halesowen News)

Injury concerns over Bell

1:27pm Friday 15th June 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

England opener Ian Bell is a doubt for the first one-day international against West Indies after being hit on the chin in practice.

Bell took a blow taking throw-downs in the indoor net and went to hospital to establish the extent of the injury, but will definitely need stitches.

The Warwickshire batsman will be desperate to play as England explore options at the top of the order following the retirement from limited-overs cricket of Kevin Pietersen.

England captain Alastair Cook said of Bell's injury on Sky Sports News: "He was playing a pull shot and he top-edged the ball onto his chin. He's got quite a nasty gash on his chin and a sore jaw, so he's gone to hospital for an X-ray and stitches and we'll know more later this afternoon."

Asked if Bell was a doubt for Saturday's match, Cook said: "Yeah I think looking at him walking off he looked a little bit sore, clearly it had just happened. He's a little bit of a doubt at the moment and we'll know more in the next two hours or so.

"We'll announce the team at the toss like we normally do, we'll just have to play that one by ear."