Ian Bell has been in irresistible form for Warwickshire of late

Thorpe is rated doubtful after fracturing his right little finger at Old Trafford and Bell is part of a 13-man squad including Simon Jones.

Bell, in fine form for his county, told BBC Sport: "It's really nice to be in such a successful England squad.

"I know a few of the guys quite well and it will be quite an experience."

Thorpe, who made 114 in England's first innings and was later named man-of-the-match, was hit on the hand by fast bowler Fidel Edwards on Sunday.

His Surrey team-mate Mark Butcher, the most obvious replacement, has missed the entire series with various injuries and strained a calf muscle while out jogging on Friday.

Bell is a former member of the Academy and has hit six centuries in the County Championship this season at an average of 87.26.

The 22-year-old had a quiet couple of seasons after first being tipped to join England's squad in 2002.

I've got the winter tour to South Africa to look forward to Graham Thorpe

But his game has come right now and he said: "Mentally I am a little bit tougher now technically I'm a little bit tighter.

"Over the last couple of years I have learnt from Nick Knight about being very clear in your mind and breaking the game down, ball by ball.

"After you get a couple of hundreds under your belt the pressure lifts."

I am delighted to see Ian in the squad - I hope he plays at the Oval From Mark Harding Have your say on TMS

With Bell almost certain to play at The Oval, Thorpe said: "It's disappointing but I've got the winter tour to South Africa to look forward to."

Meanwhile, West Indies wicket-keeper Ridley Jacobs is to return home after undergoing minor surgery on the knee injury which ruled him out of the Old Trafford Test.