Flintoff Passed Fit for First Test

Andrew Flintoff was passed fit to play for England in the first Test against the West Indies which got under way at Sabina Park here this morning.

Flintoff's pivotal place in the side was first placed in jeopardy when he withdrew from the opening match of the tour in St Kitts almost two weeks ago, complaining of soreness and stiffness in his left side.

Although a scan ruled out serious damage he did not play in the second warm-up game against the West Indies A side in St Kitts last week and he went into the Test with a minimum of preparation.

He had only a gentle work-out in the nets on Monday and Tuesday and this, combined with speculation that the medical staff were not convinced about his readiness to take part, raised concerns that he would pull out of the game.

But Engand's traveling supporters were encouraged by the sight of Flintoff playing a full part in the morning's warm-up session and a short time later he was named in the expected England line-up.

Flintoff went into the game having not bowled in a match situation for over six weeks, since the tour of India before Christmas. But the immediate pressure was taken off him when England captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and opted to bat.