Bell To Bat At Four

It has been confirmed that Bell will start the Edgbaston Test on Thursday, batting at four - which will please Steve James. I would have preferred him at five, but that was never likely. I think backing Bopara in this way is a positive move, after all, as the man himself pointed out, the Ashes is only two Tests old. I'm backing Bell to do well - especially in this Test on his home ground. He could do worse than note how well Nathan Hauritz has handled so many people questioning his ability.

Brett Lee has again been ruled out.

Fact of the day: Edgbaston has hosted 16 draws in its last 20 first-class matches.