England today called up the Yorkshire all-rounder Craig White to their Ashes tour party as cover for the injured Andrew Flintoff.

The 32-year-old, who has been playing grade cricket in Australia, will fly out to Perth from Adelaide on Friday and be available for selection for England's three-day match against Western Australia at the WACA starting on Monday.

White's call-up comes 24 hours after it was announced that Andrew Flintoff would fly to Adelaide for further medical treatment on his groin injury. Flintoff has not yet regained full fitness after undergoing a hernia operation seven weeks ago.

White made an unbeaten 94 in the 2nd npower Test against India at Trent Bridge this northern summer before being ruled out of the rest of the series and the ICC Trophy with a side injury.

England Coach Duncan Fletcher said: "Craig performed well against India this summer and is now fully recovered from injury. He will provide us with cover in the all-rounder position until Andrew Flintoff is able to return to competitive cricket."

Craig White said: "I came over from England two-and-a-half weeks ago to work on my fitness and play grade cricket for Adelaide C.C. I got a 118 for Adelaide at the weekend and also got through nine overs with the ball which was encouraging.

"My side feels good and I've been bowling at good pace in the nets at the ECB National Academy in Adelaide without any reaction. This is a fresh challenge for me and I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and being a part of the Test squad again."

© ECB 2002