Flintoff and Anderson get Oval boost

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Flintoff and Lancashire team-mate Jimmy Anderson appear to be on course to play in next week's decider against Australia at The Brit Oval after an encouraging medical bulletin.

Anderson, who was handicapped by a hamstring problem during England's innings and 80-run hammering at Headingley, has been told there is no tear in the muscle and he should be back to full fitness by Thursday week.

As for Flintoff - who wanted to play in Leeds but was left out of the final XI because England were not prepared to gamble on his fragile right knee lasting the course - one more huge game before retirement from Test cricket is looking likely.

"The advice received was that the swelling in his knee has significantly eased following the decision to rest him, and that subject to further rest and intensive treatment he will be available for selection at The Brit Oval," read an England and Wales Cricket Board statement after Flintoff's visit to a specialist.

Now, with the series locked at 1-1 and England need a victory to regain the Ashes, another Flintoff masterpiece may be needed.

As for Anderson, yesterday's medical appointment eased fears that he might have picked up a series-ending injury at Headingley. But the swing bowler still faces an anxious wait before proving he is ready.

"Knowing there is no tear gives me a lot of confidence," said Anderson. "But I've got to be 100 per cent fit because I would not want to go into the Test at anything less than that.

"I'm optimistic I'll be able to tell the selectors that everything is fine."