Andrew Flintoff Named in England Team for Second Ashes Test, But Steve Harmison Misses Out

Andrew Flintoff has been named in the England team to take on Australia in the second Ashes Test at Lord's today, while Graeme Onions, rather than Steve Harmison, has been called up to replace Monty Panesar.

Flintoff, who announced his decision to retire from Test cricket at the end of this summer's series, had been struggling with a knee injury picked up in the first Test in Cardiff, but has been passed fit this morning and retains his place in the side. The all-rounder has had injections on the injury this week in an attempt to recover in time for today's match and, after bowling for 20 minutes in the middle this morning with the England bowling coach, Ottis Gibson, he was declared available to play.

Graeme Onions, who has been in fine form for Durham, replaces Panesar, with the Lord's wicket expected to suit the quicker bowlers. Stuart Broad, however, has kept his place in the team despite a disappointing bowling display at the Swalec Stadium, meaning there is no recall for Harmison.

England, just as they did in the opening Test, won the toss and decided to bat first against an Australia side unchanged from Cardiff after they decided against recalling the experienced seamer Stuart Clark.

England team for second Test at Lord's

Strauss, Cook, Bopara, Pietersen, Collingwood, Prior, Flintoff, Broad, Swann, Anderson, Onions