England won't risk Flintoff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andrew Flintoff's determination to play in next week's Edgbaston Ashes Test and beyond will not be at the jeopardy of the team.
England all-rounder Flintoff, 31, overcame the effects of his right knee injury to claim the man-of-the-match award in the 115-run Lord's victory over Australia last week.
Three injections in the troublesome joint helped him retain his hostility with the ball throughout the contest and his rampaging spell on the final morning sealed the result.
He has been sore in the aftermath, however, and is currently resting up in a bid to make next Thursday's third match of the npower series.
Flintoff conveyed his dedication to getting through the entire campaign before retiring from Test cricket only last week, and says he will play through the pain - but only if he is able to perform at somewhere near his optimum.
"I don't think those sort of decisions take an incredible amount of strength," said coach Andy Flower.
"If guys are fit enough to get through and contribute to winning Test matches then they'll be selected.
"If they're not it's not a tough decision to make, you just don't select him."
This has become Flintoff's farewell series but it added to the piquancy of the occasion at Lord's, where he claimed only his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
"We know what a significant contribution his was," Flower reflected.
"I think one of his main contributions to us over the five days was giving the side confidence and belief.
"Certainly with him leading the attack in that last innings, it gave us the belief we'd bowl them out."
England's medical staff will assess Flintoff early next week - the squad gather in Birmingham on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, heavy rain has left the Edgbaston pitch in a poor state.
Groundsman Steve Rouse and his team have battled the elements to no avail and he admitted: "It's a nightmare."
Talking to BBC Sport, he added: "We've had two actual dry days in the last 10 and the wicket is like jelly.
"It has to be ready a day before and I've got no chance of getting it solid, not with the weather coming in."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments