Flintoff fit to play his part in England’s perfect storm
FIT-AGAIN Andrew Flintoff will return to the England side for today’s deciding Ashes Test, and captain Andrew Strauss is backing the iconic all-rounder to inspire them to a famous victory and reclaim the urn.
Flintoff, who was forced to sit out the fourth Test drubbing at Headingley, has convinced medics his chronic knee injury will withstand what is sure to be a colossal battle against Australia at the Oval.
The 31-year-old, one of the heroes of the 2005 triumph, is desperate to go out on the ultimate high at the scene of that last Ashes conquest, having announced weeks ago that this series will mark the end of his Test career.
Strauss, in need of a boost following the Leeds debacle, is delighted to welcome Flintoff back to the XI and – barring an unforeseen late hitch – believes the ideal stage is set for one of England’s all-time greats to shine for one last time.
“It’s kind of the perfect storm,” said Strauss. “He’s going to be completely motivated to go out on a high – a must-win Ashes Test, at home, full house. The script is written perfectly and that’s really encouraging.
“For a big game like this it is a massive plus to have him in the side, there’s no doubt about that. He can lift others with his performances but we won’t win the game just with his performances. We need all 11 of us to stand up and be counted.”
Strauss added: “We all want him to go out in a blaze of glory. A lot of his scripts have been written that way so far in his career, and that would be a fitting end.”
Flintoff aside, other changes will see uncapped Warwickshire batsman Jonathan Trott bat at No5, with Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood moving up the order. England’s bowling attack, however, is less clear, with Strauss weighing up whether pace or spin will best suit their quest for 20 wickets.
Trott, who has shone for his county this summer, faces a daunting debut, and Australia captain Ricky Ponting has not shied from talking up the “huge pressure” on the newcomer. But Strauss, who called the match “the biggest moment of my cricketing life”, rebuffed concerns over Trott’s ability to handle the occasion.
“When I made my debut I felt in brilliant form and that carries you huge distance when you’re stepping into the unknown because you feel as though this is your time,” he said. “I have every confidence he will go out and do a good job for us.”