Craig White has been added to England's Ashes squad due to the ongoing concern over the fitness of Andrew Flintoff.

White, 32, has been playing grade cricket in Adelaide, and will fly to Perth on Friday. He is the logical choice as cover for Flintoff, who has gone to the ECB Academy for intensive treatment in a bid to be first for the first Test in Brisbane. White is the third survivor, alongside Alec Stewart and Darren Gough, from the 1994-95 Ashes tour.

"Craig performed well against India in England this summer and is now fully recovered from his injury problems," said Duncan Fletcher, England's coach. "He will provide us with cover in the allrounder position until Andrew is able to return."

White must be a serious contender to play in that first Test if, as expected, Flintoff doesn't make it. England will not wish to dwell too closely on his Test record against Australia, though: White averages 7.6 with the bat, and 189 with the ball.

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

"My side now feels good and I've been bowling at good pace in the nets. This is a fresh challenge for me, and I'm looking forward to being part of the Test squad again."

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