England Face Selection Dilemma

They must decide whether to risk the fitness of Andrew Flintoff just one match after his return from a hernia operation.

Flintoff made his competitive comeback in the three-day drawn match with Queensland, scoring three and claiming two for 112 from 26 overs just over a week after being sent to the Academy to complete his rehabilitation from the surgery.

The tourists were delighted with his efforts, particularly as he had been unable to run at full capacity or bowl when he left the squad and flew to Adelaide to receive intensive care, but they have taken their toll on his body.

After delivering 18 overs on the opening day, he was noticeably stiff the day after and struggled to regain the pace England will need on a regular basis when they face Australia at the Gabba.

It is that doubt which may prompt England to rely instead on Craig White, who was added to the squad as cover for Flintoff.

"That will be the main debate in the selection over the next few days," said Nasser Hussain. "Both the all-rounders have played in a game and we will have to weigh things up.

"Andrew has nothing to prove in our team. He's been there for a year or two and has performed and the only thing he has to prove is whether he can do it two or three days running because of his body now and whether we take that gamble.

"The first day of this week's game he was fine, but on the second day he was stiff and I don't know if he can do that over five days of intense Test match cricket if he's not 100 per cent fit."