England stand firm over Flintoff injury

Peter Gregory, England's chief medical officer, has hit back at criticism regarding the handling of Andrew Flintoff's ankle injury.

In an official release, the ECB wanted to clear up what they called "further misguided and unjustified criticism of the management" about the situation. Despite his injury, Flintoff was cleared to bowl in the first Test against West Indies after a cortisone injection, but the England management came under fire for allowing him to do so, with suggestions that Flintoff was needlessly being rushed back in to action.

However, Gregory was quick to point out that wasn't the case, and that the medical staff were carrying out a routine procedure regarding this type of injury, with a break from bowling and then a cortisone injection top the of the doctors orders. "If the first two stages of this process are not successful, then an operation may be required as a last resort," Gregory said. "But we would not want Andrew to undergo surgery unless this was absolutely necessary and it would be irresponsible to carry out this procedure until we have exhausted all available other options."

He added: "Andrew's ankle has responded well to treatment thus far and the risks associated with injection for this condition are far less than for undergoing surgery that would keep him out for a significant period of time.

"We are fully aware of the international programme England face over the next 18 months," he continued, "but elective surgery is not being considered, as the cortisone injection has been effective at present and Andrew continues to bowl pain-free."

Flintoff, who played as a batsman only in the NatWest Series, bowled only 11 overs in the first Test, but still took four crucial wickets in the match, as England won by 210 runs.