Flintoff adds to England woes

ALL-ROUNDER Andrew Flintoff travels to Tasmania tomorrow with England still not sure of his participation in their match against Australia A as he struggles to regain fitness after a hernia operation.

The Lancashire vice-captain had surgery last August, missing the final Test against India at The Oval, to ensure he would have recovered for the start of the Ashes series. But with only 10 days before the second Test starts in Adelaide his fitness is still an issue.

He was sent for a scan yesterday after complaining of back discomfort while featuring as a substitute fielder for Simon Jones during the Test, and although he has been given the all-clear the tourists’ management are no more than hopeful he will be able to feature in Friday’s match.