Flintoff’s fitness worry for England

LONDON – England head into the second Test against Australia as yet uncertain over whether all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will feature in their bid for a first Ashes win here at Lord’s in 75 years.

The 31-year-old injured his right knee while fielding in last week’s drawn first Test in Cardiff, having had an operation on after tearing the meniscus in April while playing in the Indian Premier League.So vital to the balance of England’s side, injuries have meant Flintoff has rarely hit the same heights as he did when starring during the team’s 2005 Ashes-winning series.But he still looked the only England pace bowler able to combat a slow surface at Sophia Gardens where Australia were only denied a victory by a last-wicket stand lasting 40 minutes between James Anderson and Monty Panesar.It was somewhat overshadowed by a ‘time-wasting’ row revolving around the home team’s questionable use of the 12th man late on the final day.England have called up in-form fast bowler Stephen Harmison, who in 2005 at Lord’s struck Australia captain Ricky Ponting a fearful blow on the cheek, ostensibly as cover for Flintoff.But Harmison, who could be competing with fellow Durham paceman Graham Onions for a place in a re-shaped attack, may yet find himself playing alongside Flintoff if his friend proves his bowling fitness on Wednesday and suffers no ill-effects before Thursday’s start.England coach Andy Flower was cautiously upbeat about Flintoff’s chances, saying Tuesday: ‘He saw the surgeon that operated on his knee recently and he was quite optimistic about him playing in this game.’The suggestion is that he should be okay but I think with Fred and his injury record we’re always concerned, to be honest,’ said Flower of Flintoff, who has had a cortisone injection.’His body’s in that sort of state at this time of his career when he seems vulnerable a lot of the time and we can’t get away from that but he’s a hell of a player and we want him in our side when he’s fit.’Harmison took six wickets for England Lions during their tour match against Australia and twice dismissed fledgling opener Phillip Hughes with short balls in the process. An inconsistent performer, Harmison was dropped during this year’s tour of the West Indies and has not played for England since.However, Flower stressed: ‘I never drew any line under Steve, that was never the case at all.’Steve was always in the frame, he’s a very good fast bowler and has a very good record for England, so he was always in the frame in our minds.’- Nampa-AFP