14 Jul 2009

Flintoff in doubt for second Ashes test

3:28 pm on 14 July 2009

Pace bowler Steve Harmison has been called into the England cricket squad for the second Ashes test against Australia at Lord's, as cover for the injured allrounder Andrew Flintoff.

Flintoff's had a scan on the same knee he had surgery on earlier this year, after twisting it while fielding in the drawn first test.

Selector Geoff Miller says Flintoff's experiencing soreness and swelling in the knee, and he'll be reassessed by medical staff over the next 48 hours leading up to Thursday's match.

That's prompted a recall for Harmison, with Graham Onions and Ian Bell retained from the original squad.

Changes are expected in England's second test lineup anyhow with the Lord's pitch likely to favour seam.