Flintoff, Monty In Trouble, Harmison And Onions Vie For Spot, Aussies Unsympathetic

England may have only recovered from the tantalizing finish at Cardiff in the first Test of the Ashes, when they were dealt another blow.
Andrew Flintoff has swelling and inflammation in right knee on which he was also operated for mid way through the IPL 2 in South Africa, playing for the Chennai Super Kings. His injury puts him in considerable doubt for the second Ashes Test of 2009 which starts on Thursday at Lord’s.
In the event of Flintoff being unable to play, England have included Steve Harmison in what England describe as replacing one intimidating, tall, aggressive bowler for another. Harmison was disappointed at being picked for the first Test but he was not about to announce his retirement a la Michael Vaughan because Harmison has been performing well, including playing the match for the England Lions against Australia in the warm up match.
There are also doubts whether England will go in with two spinners in Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar and if they decide only on one, obviously Panesar will sit out in which case that bowling slot will be open for either Steve Harmison or Graham Onions.
The Australians are perhaps wary of unnecessary provoking by making any derogatory statements against Harmison, but they were quick to rub it into the England about how big a loss Flintoff’s absence would be. Players such as Miek Hussey and Simon Katich showed typical Australian bravado when they spoke of Australia’s delight to be able to wear Flintoff out during Australia’s lengthy first innings at Sophia Gardens. Indicating that they would be more than happy to see Flintoff nursing his knee that turning up at Lord’s, they spoke of how Flintoff would be desperately missed by the England team for his all rounder’s skills, especially after England managed to slip through Ricky Ponting’s fingers.
Game on, but can Flintoff regain his fitness in time?