IAN BELL admits it would be a ­major Ashes blow if Matt Prior is not fit to play in the first Test next week.
   

Wicketkeeper Prior has been ruled out of the final warm-up game against New South Wales XI after tearing a calf muscle.
He is now facing a race against time to make the opening clash against Australia in Brisbane, starting on November 21.
Bell knows England would be hampered if Prior does not make it, with Jonny Bairstow poised to replace him ­behind the stumps.
Bell said: “Matt is vice-captain and an important bloke in the dressing room – not just for what he does on the pitch but how he speaks to the guys off it.
“If he is fit, he plays as he has been a massive part of our success and obviously we want him to recover in time.”
Bairstow will play as wicketkeeper against NSW in Sydney this week and Bell is pleased to see him feature after sitting on the sidelines so far during the tour.