Sunday 12 November 2017 08:20, UK
England coach Trevor Bayliss says seamer Jake Ball should be available for the first Ashes Test if needed.
The 26-year-old Nottinghamshire man suffered ankle ligament damage during the warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI.
He is expected to sit out the final warm-up game, which starts on Wednesday, with George Garton of Sussex called up as cover.
Bayliss does not think Ball will be on the sidelines for long and says the paceman could be in the running to add to his three caps when the Ashes series starts against Australia in Brisbane, on November 23.
Asked about Ball's fitness, Bayliss explained: "There could be a possibility he would be right for the next game but we will probably let him go there and make sure he is right for selection for the first Test.
"At least he will be available for the first Test. Whether we pick him or not, we have got to make that decision once we get closer. He should be right in that 7-10 day time frame, he's fairly confident.
"He has got a boot on but that is more precautionary at the moment. He says he has been walking around without the boot and feels fine. Fingers crossed that he is right."
England romped to a 192-run win over the Cricket Australia XI, bowling their hosts out for 75 in the second innings, and Bayliss thinks the attack performed better than in their opening match.
"I thought we got our lengths a lot better in this game," said the head coach. "In Perth we bowled a lot of half volleys and a lot of long hops.
"In this match we got the length a lot better and put pressure on the opposition. We will certainly have to do that during the Test series."
James Anderson, Stuart Ball and Chris Woakes may be favourites to lead the England seam attack in the Ashes series but the likes of Ball and Craig Overton could also feature.
Overton boosted his claims by taking 3-15 in the Cricket Australia second innings.
Bayliss said: "[It's the] first time I have seen him up close over a number of overs. He is not necessarily quick but he bowls a heavy ball and good lengths. He is consistent with that length, which you need at the top level."
