LEEDS: England will not know whether Andrew Flintoff is fit to play the fourth Ashes Test against Australia until just before play starts on Friday.

The allrounder, who is set to retire from test cricket after the series, bowled in the nets Thursday with a brace on his injured knee and the England medical staff will see how he reacts to the workout.

Flintoff was arguably the key player in the second Test victory at Lord's that put England 1-0 ahead, but was increasingly labored in the third Test at Edgbaston, which ended in a draw just three days ago.

He failed to take a wicket in that match and England has included uncapped batsman Jonathan Trott and bowlers Steve Harmison and Ryan Sidebottom in its squad as potential cover for him. LINK