Flintoff Out of Test

According to the Manchester Guardian, Flintoff’s persistent ankle injury which again flared up in the last week has definitely ruled him out of the first Test at Lord’s, while the latest scan results apparently indicate that the injury is worse than first thought.

Should Flintoff not play, Owais Shah will win his second Test cap and James Anderson will be named as fourth seamer, causing anguish for the Monty Panesar fans, as the talented left arm spinner wil most likely be omitted.

Flintoff’s expected absence will increase the pressure on Steve Harmison to regain the form which had him ranked as the world’s best paceman several years ago. Harmison, set to play his 50th Test, had a disastrous winter in Australia but has been fit for Durham this county season, already havingover 150 overs under his belt. England will be hoping that a refreshed Harmison can recapture his form of 2005, where his initial spell at Lord’s against Australia set the tone for England’s long overdue Ashes success.