Flintoff makes rapid recovery

Andrew Flintoff will rejoin England's Ashes squad later this week with the aim of proving his fitness for the first Test against Australia, which starts in Brisbane on November 7.

The Lancashire all-rounder was sent to join the Academy in Adelaide last week to speed up his rehabilitation after a double hernia operation.

England's pessimism about his chances of returning in time for the start of the series were illustrated by the addition of Craig White to the squad. White is playing in the current warm-up match against Western Australia.

Despite not being able to run or bowl in the early part of England's tour, Flintoff has progressed rapidly with the Academy. After a conversation with coach Duncan Fletcher, England have decided call him back, and there is now a chance that he will play in their final warm-up match against Queensland starting next Saturday.

There is also better news of Michael Vaughan, who is recovering from knee surgery. Vaughan is expected to play against Queensland, while Darren Gough has also made progress after a lengthy lay-off.