Flintoff doubtful for fourth Test

Flintoff has taken six injections in the last 18 days to prevent his recurring knee injury from spoiling his dream run at the Ashes.

According to a report in the ‘Daily Mirror’, “Flintoff is still bullish about his chances of playing in Friday’s fourth Test at Headingley, despite running repairs to his right knee which have turned him into a virtual pin cushion.”

Flintoff had to take five injections during his man of the match winning show in the Lord’s Test and he took the sixth jab last night. Flower admitted that Flintoff did not look completely fit during the drawn Edgbaston match and is a doubtful starter for the fourth match.

“Fred personally is quite bullish about playing, but he was moving gingerly in the field at Edgbaston. We will have to leave our decision to the last minute again and trust him to give us good information about his own body, along with the advice of our medical staff.”

“We all realise the situation and we know he is struggling, but we have our contingency plans ready,” added Flower.