Flintoff is recalled as backup for Hussain

Lahore, Nov 13: England have recalled Andrew Flintoff as backup for the injured Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan, team officials said. Flintoff, who returned after the one-day series two weeks back, was scheduled to arrive here on Monday morning and team coach Duncan Fletcher didn't rule him out of a place in the first Test squad which begins from Wednesday.

"If we play seven batsmen, I reckon Andrew (Flintoff) will play. But we still have to decide the team combination," Fletcher, the former Zimbabwe skipper, said.

Vaughan was still 70 percent against playing in the three-Test series opener but team physiotherapist Dean Conway gave a go-ahead to Hussain.

"(Michael) Vaughan's calf is still heavily tapped. But Nasser (Hussain) and Craig White have passed fitness test," Conway said.

Hussain was struggling with a back problem while White had a hamstring injury.

However, England's happiness were short-lived when Conway ruled out Derbyshire allrounder Dominic Cork out of the first Test. "He still has back problem. He doesn't stand a chance as he requires some more time to secure match fitness."

All the four players underwent a physical check during England's training camp.

Fletcher said if Hussain went through the five days of the opening Test, Flintoff will be released. "We might send Flintoff back next week if the back doesn't bother Hussain again."

Even if Flintoff plays in the first Test, he will not be able to turn his arm over because it was his back that had resulted in his early departure despite being initially named for the Test series.

In the nine Tests, Flintoff, 22, has scored just 233 runs at 16.64 with 42 as his best.