Flintoff not to play fourth Ashes Test

LEEDS - England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia that begins here from today.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting last night with captain Andrew Strauss and head coach Andy Flower.

Steve Harmison has been brought in as Flintoff’s replacement in the squad, as

England seek to go for the win to regain The Ashes that they lost in 2006.

“We’ll take the emotion out of the decision. We desperately want Fred to play but, if he’s not fit to play a full part, it would be wrong to pick him,” The Sun quoted Strauss, as saying.

Flintoff, 31, was wearing a brace on his right knee and bowled for 45 minutes in the nets yesterday. He failed to reach his maximum pace. (ANI)