England's preparations for the Ashes, already undermined by the withdrawal of Graham Thorpe and the ongoing injury concerns surrounding Darren Gough, received another blow with the admission by Andrew Flintoff that he is struggling to be fit for the start of the series on November 7. In today's Sun newspaper, Flintoff said that while his recovery was not taking longer than expected he was facing a battle to be ready in time for the Brisbane Test. "I was hoping to bowl flat out as soon as the team arrived in Australia," he is quoted as saying. "As it is, the operation was more than six weeks ago and I'm not yet able to run. The pounding of running would be too much at this stage. I can row, cycle and swim, as well as do weights, and I've been working very hard on those things in the gym.

"I don't intend taking any risks. If necessary, I will aim to be fit for the second Test in Adelaide on November 21.

"Some of the soccer lads at Lilleshall were telling me how they tried to play too soon and ended up being out for longer than if they'd waited. If I rush back, it could put me out of the whole Ashes series or even the World Cup."

Although Flintoff had a disappointing summer - in six Tests he scored 141 runs at 17.63 and took 11 wickets at 60.81 - he remains a key part of the England side and his absence would leave the selectors struggling for balance. With Gough also a doubtful starter at Brisbane, England's worries are mounting before they have even landed in Australia.

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