England v Pakistan - Injury thread

[Vrock]

Seen as we have so many call-ups and injuries, to report and discuss, I thought we could group them all into one thread.

Andrew Flintoff has felt discomfort in his ankle and will see a specialist tomorrow to determine whether he will be fit for the first test.

Unless he is passed 100% fit I don't think he should be played, he bowled 19 overs in Kent's first innings (which I think is just about right for what he should be bowling in an innings). He then bowled only four overs in Kent's second innings (two of those the previous evening) so he's only had one major innings work which isn't enough. He's not been able to bowl a second innings which only casts major doubts about whether he could do that in a test match.

[greg]

I wouldn't consider him for the test,if he can't get through 4 days how will he get through 5?

[Henners]

I agree Greg. They should rest him for this test, let him concentrate on his County Cricket and hopefully have him recovered by the 3rd Test. We will still have that strong Batting Line-up and hopefully the pitch will be quicker at Old Trafford so the England Seamers can get there results.

[adamberry]

Well let's hope this is the last we hear from this thread...

Ditto greg's post. If Freddie isn't back to full fitness he shouldn't really be considered.

I mean if it was someone else (like Harmison or Trescothick for sake of example), would we be rushing them back into the side? No. Give Fred some time to recover.

[Ernest]

I think Flintoff should not play until the 3rd Test - and only then if he is fit.

As Chappel is fit again, I would pick him - at least we would get some control , also he can hold a bat.

[Mr Hutt]

Flintoff wont play this match.... and asif wont either so i think the teams are on equal standing right now as far as injuries are concerned. I think this series will really take off when flintoff shoaib and asif return

[Pete]

The ECB needs to employ a new medical team. The current one seems to be useless. And only God knows why we have 2 separate physios! A one day physio and a testmatch physio.

[Mongoose]

It's a shame that a potentially fantastic battle has been reduced by injury. Pakistan, having overtaken England as no.2, looking to consolidate their position and prove they are not home players only. England, having had a blip after the Ashes success, trying to get back on track. Instead we're left with almost England A v Pakistan A. The cricket should still be close, but we really wanted to see both teams somewhere near full strength.

[Mr Hutt]

This is terrible news for the england team, after experiencing discomfort in a league fixture Andrew Flintoff went to see an expert and will undergo ankle surgery next week, after which he has been advised three months total rest. He has therefore been ruled out from not only Pakistan's tour of england but the whole domestic season and the champions trophy, apparently some bone fragments were left behind in his ankle from surgery in jan. He will only have a couple of weeks before the ashes and IMO will be doubtful for that as well.. your thoughts, comments? can England win the ashes without Flintoff?

[Mongoose]

Originally Posted by Avkar

can England win the ashes without Flintoff?

Considering Simon Jones, Vaughan and Giles will also be missing, I'd say that no Flintoff as well would mean no urn, and possibly a thrashing of 4 or 5 nil.