Strauss taking no risks over Flintoff

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Lancashire's Flintoff bowled for 35 minutes in the nets on Thursday to test out his troublesome right knee, which has become something of a pin cushion since he announced this Ashes series was his final hurrah in Test cricket. The reaction of the joint, will be discussed by Flintoff and the England medical staff before a decision on selection is made.

"When you're captain of the team you're motivated by what's right for the team," said Strauss. "Obviously if Fred plays and has a detrimental effect on the team, it would be wrong for us to have made that decision on sentimental grounds and I think Fred would appreciate that himself."

He added: "The last thing he wants to happen is to play and then not be able to fulfil a role in the game.

"It's a dire situation for an individual: he will be very honest with us, and sentimentality is pushed to the back of all our minds."

One thing going for Flintoff is the fact he has pulled through the first three Tests, turning in the crucial performance with the ball in the 115-run win at Lord's which opened up the 1-0 advantage in the series, although that was done on the back of several cortisone and lubricating injections.

"From my point of view you've got to take the player's view on board and listen to that very carefully because he knows his body better than anyone," said Strauss.

"We need to take the medical opinion on board because they have got an idea of what might happen if he plays.

"But ultimately it's the decision of both myself and the coach as to how full a part he might be able to play in the match."