Flintoff running on empty

It is hardly surprising that Andrew Flintoff didn't manage to lay a bat on Danish Kaneria's stunning googly on the final day at Lahore. He was knackered. 'Super Fred' is never one to give less than 100% but as he pounded in during Pakistan's 636 for 8 you could hear the cries of that's enough, save some for another day. As David Hopps points out there were other options for Michael Vaughan.

Vaughan did not have good options, but he had options nevertheless. Not Liam Plunkett perhaps, because a young bowler in his first Test needs some protection, but bowl Paul Collingwood, bowl Ian Bell, bowl anyone, even bowl Shaun Udal.

With such a packed year ahead England must take care of their main weapon.