11:27am Wednesday 8th July 2009
England captain Andrew Strauss believes Andrew Flintoff has ‘unfinished business’ to deal with in the Ashes.
Flintoff’s return to the international set-up, after missing the past four Tests through injury, was marked by him being disciplined for poor time keeping last week.
The 31-year-old was the man of the series in England’s 2005 win, however, and Strauss expects him to raise his game again.
“That incident has been dealt with,” said Strauss. “It was a case of turning up late for a bus.
“Freddie has settled in brilliantly and is very motivated to play well in this series.
“It’s great to see him with the bit between his teeth - he feels as though he has some unfinished business.”
Flintoff, right, was captain of the England side whitewashed in 2006-07 but has a good personal record against Australia, having scored more than 400 runs and finished as the hosts’ leading wicket taker four years ago.
England will not name their team until this morning, although they have reduced their squad to 12 by releasing Ian Bell.
Fielding two spinners remains a possibility and Strauss spoke favourably of the Graeme Swann-Monty Panesar combination but wet weather in south Wales leaves the door open for Durham paceman Graham Onions.
Australia have delayed naming their line-up after Brett Lee’s rib injury disrupted their plans.
Captain Ricky Ponting had hoped to be able to name his side, but was forced to re-assess his options after fast bowler Lee was ruled out of the reckoning.
It has prompted discussions among Australia’s management about whether they include off-spinner Nathan Hauritz or rely on an all-seam attack and use part-time spinners like Michael Clarke and Marcus North.
“The weather is hindering things a bit about what our final make-up will be,” said Ponting.
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