All England fans want Andrew Flintoff to depart with the Ashes at the conclusion of his 79th Test © PA Photos
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Players/Officials: Andrew Flintoff Andrew Strauss
Series/Tournaments: Australia tour of England and Scotland
Teams: England
Andrew Flintoff did not bowl during England's final practice session at The Oval on Wednesday, but whereas at Headingley that might have been taken as cause for alarm, this time around it is nothing more than a precaution. On Thursday morning, barring a late and unexpected set-back, Flintoff and his dodgy right knee will front up for England for one final time in Test cricket, with the Ashes on the line and his legacy up for grabs.
"He's looking very promising to be fair," said England's captain, Andrew Strauss. "The swelling's gone right down on his knee and he bowled really well yesterday. Obviously he's particularly motivated to play in this Test match. Things are looking good on that front. We just have to be absolutely certain tomorrow morning that it doesn't react, but at this stage it's looking very, very positive."
In Leeds, Flintoff wanted to play but was over-ruled by Strauss and Andy Flower, an unpopular decision for the allrounder and one that became more serious as Australia levelled the series at 1-1 in three days. Strauss spoke to Flintoff about his frustration, which seeped out via his manager the day after the Headingley defeat, and "it's not an issue between us".
"You can understand why he'd be disappointed," Strauss said. "It's his last couple of Test matches so he's dying to play. I spoke to Fred after the Headingley Test match, and we both know where each other stood on that matter. Some of the stuff that has been said has been quite a long way off the mark, to be honest. I'm certainly very excited to have him back in the team for this Test match. He's determined to do well for the team, and I know that he is as motivated as anyone to do well for England this week
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