England's Ashes hopes were given a significant boost last night as specialist medical advice suggested Andrew Flintoff will be fit for the must-win fifth npower Test.
England's Ashes hopes were given a significant boost last night as specialist medical advice suggested Andrew Flintoff will be fit for the must-win fifth npower Test.
All-rounder Flintoff (31) saw knee specialist Andy Williams yesterday in London and positive news was relayed to Lord's on his condition.
England coach Andy Flower and captain Andrew Strauss made the decision not to select Flintoff on the eve of the fourth Test at Headingley, concerned at his ability to last the course.
But his absence was cruelly exposed by Australia in just over seven sessions of play, as they romped to an innings-and-80-runs victory to level the series at 1-1.
Now Flintoff should have the opportunity to end his Test career in thrilling fashion, having decided earlier this summer to retire from the five-day game at the end of the Ashes series.
An England statement read: "The advice received was that the swelling in his knee has significantly eased following the decision by the England management team to rest him from the last Test match and that subject to further rest and intensive treatment, he will be available for selection at the Brit Oval."
Flintoff's Lancashire colleague James Anderson also underwent a scan on his hamstring, after feeling a twinge when batting on the first day at Headingley, which came back clear.
It means England should take on Australia in 10 days with their first-choice new-ball pairing.
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