LANCASHIRE'S Andrew Flintoff provided another injury scare after making his comeback for England today as Australia A's batsman compounded the problems with another major total at the Bellerive Oval.
Just over a week since captain Nasser Hussain's miscalculation in bowling first contributed to Australia's 384-run victory in the first Test at the Gabba, stand-in Marcus Trescothick made exactly the same mistake and suffered the identical circumstances.
Demonstrating his resolve not to be affected by the first Test humiliation, Trescothick chose to bowl and then watched Australia A declare at 353 for three with Martin Love following up the 250 he scored for Queensland against the tourists by hitting an unbeaten 201.
Facing a tricky 13 overs to negotiate before the close, England lost Michael Vaughan before reaching 50 for one at the close of the opening day although their bigger concerns were off the pitch with the fitness of all-rounder Flintoff.
Having passed a fitness test to play following a second scan in four days on his groin yesterday, Flintoff flattered to deceive with the ball and finished with nought for 62 from 10 overs after conceding 40 runs from his opening five-over spell.
He failed to return after tea and was missing for a half-an-hour while he received further treatment to his troublesome groin, which may yet affect his participation in the remainder of the match.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article