Flynn's fitness struggle gives Kiwis a headache

While England are likely to be unchanged at Trent Bridge this week, and field the same side for a fifth consecutive Test for the first time in more than 120 years, the Kiwis could drop two batsmen and a bowler and even change their wicketkeeper after last week's dramatic defeat in Manchester.

But Flynn, whose injury at Old Trafford turned out to be the start of New Zealand's problems, has not given up hope of retaining his place on Thursday.

"He's a tough little character and was keen to bat even at Old Trafford," said vice-captain Brendon McCullum. "I'm sure the confidence issue won't affect him too much and he's got a few days to work things through in the nets and build that confidence for himself." Flynn, 23, ended up losing two teeth in Manchester when the grille of his helmet was knocked back into his mouth by a bouncer from Anderson. Despite bleeding badly and clearly dazed, the youngster wanted to stay at the crease but was taken to hospital and took no further part in a Test which the Kiwis ended up losing by six wickets.

Even yesterday, before the final morning's play in the tourists' match against Northants, Flynn reported for another course of dental treatment. But any discomfort felt then was probably nothing compared with the pain that followed an hour or two later as he failed for the second time in his comeback game.

Scores of six and two will have told New Zealand nothing about Flynn's state of mind, especially as he did not bat long enough - facing only 12 deliveries in all - to be tested by short-pitched bowling. But after playing promisingly during his Test debut at Lord's, the selectors will be keen to give him another go if possible.

James Marshall, who has scored 52 runs in four innings at No3 so far this series, is another hanging on by his finger nails after also failing twice during the draw with Northants. And the Kiwis do have options now with spare batsman Peter Fulton and reserve keeper Gareth Hopkins hitting half-centuries.

Fulton could take Marshall's spot while Hopkins is a candidate for Flynn's No6 berth, a move which would allow McCullum to hand over the gloves and concentrate on scoring big runs.

McCullum, who played purely as a batsman against Northants because of a back twinge, expects to be fit enough to keep wicket at Trent Bridge but will do "whatever benefits the team most".

With swing bowler Tim Southee taking six wickets after being sidelined by a stomach bug at Old Trafford, New Zealand also face a tricky decision in the bowling department. But at least they know batsman Ross Taylor remains in prime form after he followed his Second Test 154 with an unbeaten 150 yesterday.

As for England, three wins and a draw in their past four matches suggests life could hardly be better. One batsman, however, is struggling to justify his place. Even so, chief selector Geoff Miller seems unconcerned by Paul Collingwood's struggles for Durham and England this season.

"We don't get worried about form. We know form is temporary," said Miller. "We know how strong a character Paul is. He's a quality player, a quality fellow, and we know runs are just around the corner."

England squad: Strauss, Cook, Vaughan (capt), Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood, Ambrose (wkt), Broad, Sidebottom. Panesar, Anderson, Tremlett.