Mark Wood is finally set to make his World Cup bow in place of Tymal Mills on Saturday.
The Durham speedster has been managing an ankle niggle since arriving in Oman at the start of the tour.
But he has come through training without any reaction and is set to play ahead of David Willey against South Africa in Sharjah, where conditions should suit his bowling.
Assistant coach Paul Collingwood said: “What seems to have been difficult to play in Sharjah is the real fast skiddy bowlers that bash the wicket and try to hit the top of the stumps and get a little bit of variable bounce there.
“Woody is the type of bowler you would look at for that surface. He would be the ideal replacement if he was 100 per cent fit.
“I think it's good to have options. We're a very versatile attack - with different heights, different skills, different angles.
“The more bowlers that you can have that are different I guess the better. So batters can't line you up as a bowling attack.”
Meanwhile, strict bio-bubbles like those at the T20 World Cup must be given the flick because players and staff can’t take it anymore.
That is the verdict of England assistant coach Paul Collingwood who has had his fill of being shut away from the rest of society despite being double jabbed.
Will England win the T20 World Cup? Let us know in the comments section below.
Collingwood opened up on the extent of the torment from his team hotel in Dubai where both England and India have been based throughout with only the cricket grounds providing an alternative scene.
“I’ll be 100% honest, I’m not great with bubble life,” said Collingwood. “I don’t really enjoy it that much, but I’m hoping Australia is going to have a little bit more freedom out there to go and enjoy the country and the cricket.
“We all cope in different ways. It’s tough. Being very honest, I’m not sure how much more bubble life world cricket can take.
“It puts a lot of pressure on not just individuals but families as well. It can be tough at times but we’re here to help each other out.”
England will have Aussie bowling consultant and 2005 Ashes coach Troy Cooley back helping out during the build up to Brisbane.
Can you help underprivileged children experience the joy of cricket? Charity Bat for a Chance donates cricket kit to those most in need and is also fundraising. Find out more here.
