England may have only recovered from the tantalizing finish at Cardiff in the first Test of the Ashes, when they were dealt another blow.
flintoff monty
Andrew Flintoff has swelling and inflammation in right knee on which he was also operated for mid way through the IPL 2 in South Africa, playing for the Chennai Super Kings. His injury puts him in considerable doubt for the second Ashes Test of 2009 which starts on Thursday at Lord’s.
In the event of Flintoff being unable to play, England have included Steve Harmison in what England describe as replacing one intimidating, tall, aggressive bowler for another. Harmison was disappointed at being picked for the first Test but he was not about to announce his retirement a la Michael Vaughan because Harmison has been performing well, including playing the match for the England Lions against Australia in the warm up match.
There are also doubts whether England will go in with two spinners in Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar and if they decide only on one, obviously Panesar will sit out in which case that bowling slot will be open for either Steve Harmison or Graham Onions.
The Australians are perhaps wary of unnecessary provoking by making any derogatory statements against Harmison, but they were quick to rub it into the England about how big a loss Flintoff’s absence would be. Players such as Miek Hussey and Simon Katich showed typical Australian bravado when they spoke of Australia’s delight to be able to wear Flintoff out during Australia’s lengthy first innings at Sophia Gardens. Indicating that they would be more than happy to see Flintoff nursing his knee that turning up at Lord’s, they spoke of how Flintoff would be desperately missed by the England team for his all rounder’s skills, especially after England managed to slip through Ricky Ponting’s fingers.
Game on, but can Flintoff regain his fitness in time?
Ashes T1 day 5: England Complete a Houdini, Draw with Australia
Richard Branson's Message for the Ashes Met With Angry Responses
Ashes: Ian Chappell Believes Australian Selections Will Backfire
Flintoff Finds Australian Dressing Room Company for Drinking
Monty Panesar is a match-winning spinner: Botham
Swann's Dream Debut puts England on Top; India in Tight Spot
Related Stories
Onions For Flintoff, Latter Plans Time Out of ECB's Hold
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are once again having to make adjustments in Andrew Flintoff's absence. The England all rounder, who announced his retirement from Test cricket at the end of the Ashes, is recovering from a knee surgery..
Harmison: Flintoff Desisted Me from Retirement
England fast bowler, Steve Harmison, who played his part in the Ashes victory of 2009 has stated that it was Andrew Flintoff who stopped him from announcing his retirement. Harmison has denied rumours of a reported retirement to follow in the...
Panesar & Harmison sweeps Australia for 244 in 71 overs
After a long time since Ashes Test Series started, Panesar gets hold over the Ausies on the first day of the third Ashes Test played at Perth today. Panesar started with fire in eyes, and soon bowled the Australian opener Justin Langer for 37....
Harmison Fears for Integrity of Umpires
Steve Harmison was perhaps being sour grapes over the issue but he certainly feels that the referral system is likely to undermine the men in white more. Harmison tasted the referral system’s verdict first hand when Ramnaresh Sarwan...
Virat Kohli And Co. Enjoy Bike Ride before Formula One Racing ( See Pics)
Is it not known that the Indian cricketers can also love demons of speed? Even as some of the Indian cricket team will fly to Noida for the first Formula One Indian Grand Prix, they did enjoy bike rides, although not on the circuit, with the keys firmly w
