Flintoff ruled out of Headingley

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will not feature against Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at Leeds due to an ongoing knee problem.

A statement on the England and Wales Cricket Board website today (August 7th) confirmed the Lancashire fast-bowler would not make an appearance at Headingley.

Flintoff was deemed not fit after a session in the nets, where he was seen with a heavily bandaged knee.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior looked doubtful after suffering a back spasm in pre-match training this morning, but will play.

Steve Harmison will take Flintoff's place, with Stuart Broad moving up to seventh in the batting order.

While a draw was considered the most likely outcome earlier this week, the news of injuries in the England side could have affected the odds, as Australia are now a 7/10 favourite with Boyle Sports(Go to Boyle Sports »).

Ricky Ponting is Sportingbet's(Go to Sportingbet ») candidate for top batsman for the Test, with odds of 3/1 available.

Written By:- Francis (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 07/08/2009 - 11:38 AM
Filed in:- Cricket Betting News