Rate it!

0 votes

England will play four pace bowlers and a spinner in the second Ashes Test against Australia starting at Lord's on Thursday after releasing reserve batsman Ian Bell.

England captain Andrew Strauss said the hosts would probably play four pace bowlers with the final choice depending on the fitness of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

"The indications are that he's going to be fine. At this stage we are hopeful but we can't be certain. We just have to see how he reacts to what he did today," he said.

"This week in all likelihood there will maybe be four seamers and he won't have so big a workload."

Flintoff, who announced on Wednesday he will retire from Test cricket at the end of the series, bowled for the first time since suffering pain and swelling in his right knee during the drawn first Test in Cardiff.

Asked if he would be fit, Flintoff replied: "Hopefully, providing there are no ill-effects overnight."

If Flintoff does play, left-arm spinner Monty Panesar is likely to step down with the final choice resting between Durham pace bowlers Steve Harmison and Graham Onions.

Harmison, who has been consistently hostile in county cricket this season after disappointing in West Indies, was added to the squad as cover for Flintoff.

Australia look certain to retain the side who dominated the Cardiff match before tailenders James Anderson and Panesar held on for an unlikely draw.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting said fast bowler Brett Lee, who injured a rib muscle before Cardiff, would not be considered for selection.

"He didn't train with us yesterday, he won't be available for selection for this game," he said.

Follow LIVE text commentary and scorecard, plus blogs from Paul Collingwood, Graham Thorpe and Cow Corner when the second Ashes Test begins at Lord's on Thursday!!

Reuters