Retiring Flintoff ‘won’t be risked’ for sentiment

ENGLAND have ruled out any prospect of sentiment influencing their selection for today’s second Ashes Test and will only include Andrew Flintoff in their Lord’s plans if he has fully recovered from knee trouble.

All-rounder Flintoff’s announcement that he intends to retire from Test cricket at the end of this Ashes summer and his eagerness to play in all the remaining Tests of the series has increased the pressure on England as he attempts to prove his fitness.

Having had three cortisone injections in his right knee on Monday, Flintoff bowled for the first time since reporting discomfort during the opening Test and is “hopeful” of being passed fit to play in his final Lord’s Test.