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Bell backs jinxed Broad

Dhaka - England batsman Ian Bell backed jinxed team-mate Stuart Broad to make a memorable Cricket World Cup impact despite the key paceman's recent struggles with injury and sickness.

Broad, whose Ashes campaign ended after the second Test because of a stomach injury, has now fallen ill and will miss England's warm-up match against Canada in Dhaka on Wednesday.

With Tim Bresnan also out with a calf injury, England's resources are so thin that they are seeking permission to allow Chris Tremlett, who was not part of the 15-man squad, to feature in the game.

"Obviously, Broad's not feeling too good, but I'm sure over the next couple of days he'll be back on his feet," said Bell on Tuesday.

"He's come down with something, but he'll be fine and as energetic as anyone - having missed a fair bit of the winter - to really make a statement in this World Cup. We're looking forward to getting him back on the field."

England are already without prolific batsman Eoin Morgan, who was forced out of the tournament with a broken finger.

But Bell insists England can thrive in such adversity and bounce back from their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Australia in the recent one-day series.

"We have a few niggles, but we hope everyone is coming along in time for the World Cup," said the batsman.

"It is not ideal for us. But we'll get on with it - we knew that was the case coming here. We'll have 11 fit guys for Wednesday and will be ready to go.

"OK, we've got a few injuries. But if our mindset is right about these warm-up games it will hold us in very good stead for this World Cup."

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