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Aggressive batsman Jonathan Trott and fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom have been included in the England team for the fourth Ashes Test at Edgbaston. They have been included as a cover for struggling Andrew Flintoff in the squad.
Chief selector Geof Miller said that it is a waiting game for the team management to get Flintoff fit.
"I would say Freddie's prospects are always pretty good. We know that he's determined to finish off his Test career at the Oval and he'll want to play here as well," Miller said.
"But we'll have to monitor him day by day to see how his fitness goes and then have a look on the morning of the Test. If he's able to do the workload the captain requires then he'll be in the side. If not, we'll have to debate it," he said.
Andy Flower, England's team director was less optimistic about Flintoff's chances and said the all-rounder will play only if he is fit.
"I suppose with continued wear and tear the percentages would say that he probably is less likely to be able to get through the next Test, but he's a strong bloke," said Flower.
"He's also got a strong body, a strong mind and a strong will, and he definitely wants to play these last two Tests. We've planned for the eventuality if he does pull out. He's pretty confident he'll play but we don't know how he's going to pull up after the exertions of the last Test," he said.
