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    Flintoff recall unlikely

    By Will 1 month ago Leave a comment on this post

    It looks like Andrew Flintoff won’t be picked for the first Test, according to Geoff Miller, England’s national selector.

    “It’s plain for everybody to see where he’s at: the work he has put in has been absolutely fantastic but there is bat form to consider, he will want some runs, and a few more miles in his legs as well,” Miller told the Press Association.

    “We have just picked for this first Test match because obviously Fred [Flintoff] is in a situation and there is a chance for us to have another look at that. We are not sure where we are beyond that first Test match.”

    The likely omission of Flintoff marks a more cautious approach from the selectors, who were ready to bring him back against New Zealand in May before he picked up his side strain against Durham. But with four high-pressure Tests in five weeks, followed by a Twenty20 and five ODIs, it makes sense not to rush Flintoff back into the international arena.

    True, he hasn’t made enough runs, but he’s fit and bowling quickly and accurately. This decision smacks of over-caution to me, and the selectors should have their biscuits confiscated from them immediately.

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    One Response to “Flintoff recall unlikely”

  • Philip Oliver wrote:
    July 3rd, 2008 at 10.38 am

    The old adage of doing what the opponents least want would mean recalling him. South Africa would definitely rather face England without Flintoff.

    He will presumably be back for the final two Tests, so who fears most for their place? Bell, Collingwood or a bowler?

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