Flower hopeful of Flintoff participation
England need Andrew Flintoff to be fit
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By Adam Leveridge. |  |
Tuesday, 14, Jul 2009 08:26
England team director Andy Flower is hopeful that inspirational all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will be fit for the second Ashes Test at Lords.
The 31-year-old complained of soreness and swelling to his right knee, which he has had an operation on in the past, after the drawn first Test on Sunday.
Steve Harmison has been drafted into the squad to cover for Flintoff in case he is not fit for Lords, but Flower revealed that Flintoff had met with the surgeon who operated on his knee and the news was positive.
"He saw the surgeon that operated on his knee recently and his surgeon was quite optimistic with him playing in this game," said Flower.
"The suggestion is that he should be okay but we can only make that decision tomorrow (Wednesday).
"I think with Fred and his injury record we're always concerned, to be honest. 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."
Flintoff didn't bowl in practice today and only batted in the nets, but Flower insisted that they would not select the Lancashire star as solely a batsman and if he is not fit then either Harmison or Graham Onions will come into the side.