Selectors to monitor Flintoff's workload

England's selectors have decided to monitor the effects of captaincy on Andrew Flintoff, the England allrounder, heading into the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's on Thursday. Flintoff was confirmed as captain for the start of the three-Test series yesterday but the England management has expressed concern at his combined workload as key batsman, bowler and captain.

"We will continue to monitor the situation Test by Test until Michael [Vaughan] comes back," David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, told reporters. "We hear loud and clear what people are saying about Freddie's workload and we are as keen as everyone else to ensure his performance is not affected."

Flintoff's inspiring leadership in India - in the absence of an injured Vaughan - where England drew 1-1 with a memorable victory in the final Test at Mumbai, earned him much praise. "I know there's been a lot of cricket between now and the last Test match but let's not forget the Mumbai Test match - with a pretty depleted team Andrew did a fantastic job," said Graveney. "We take it Test match by Test match, but Michael Vaughan is captain of England and we, in discussion with him, believe that Andrew at this stage is the right man for the job."

Graveney hoped that Vaughan would be back to full fitness soon. "Michael's rehabilitation is going pretty well and the player knows how close he is to fitness," he said. "I speak to him on a number of occasions as captain and it is difficult with him when he's not involved. He is progressing very well and we're keeping our fingers crossed because he is crucial to what happens later this summer and for the Ashes."

Flintoff's Lancashire team-mate Sajid Mahmood and Gloucestershire's Jon Lewis, both uncapped fast bowlers, have also been included in England's 13-man squad for the first Test. England's think tank faces the dilemma of handing debuts to both or to include Monty Panesar, the left-arm spinner who performed credibly in India and who edged Shaun Udal, the offspinner, for a place in the squad.