August 27, 2007	Monday	Sha’aban 13, 1428

BIRMINGHAM (England), Aug 26: England coach Peter Moores insisted that all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will not be risked in Monday’s One-day International against India at Edgbaston if he is not fully fit.

Flintoff, 29, had an anti-inflammatory cortisone injection after injuring his knee during Friday’s match against the Indians in Bristol.

He did not bowl or take part in fielding practice on Sunday, although he did bat, and Moores admitted he must make sure Flintoff is not in danger of doing himself further damage before letting him play at Edgbaston.

The problem for Moores is he knows Flintoff will be keen to play, having missed most of the season recovering from another operation on his troublesome left ankle.

“He’s very keen to play, as he would be because he’s missed a lot of cricket and wants to get out there, but I think we have to make sure we balance it over a long series,” Moores said.

“They’ve looked at the injury and they don’t seem to be that concerned about anything long term. We just have to make sure that if we know there’s no risk in him playing then we can go ahead but if we think it’s more sensible to miss a game then that’s what we’ll do.

“It will be very tough to tell him that, but like most of these things, they work themselves out.

“Fred’s [Flintoff] played a lot of cricket and knows his body and you trust the player to a degree and take all the other opinions on board.

“He’s keen to play but he also knows there’s a lot of cricket to come and he doesn’t want to miss out on that cricket. Between myself, Fred and the medical team we’ll make the right call.”

Meanwhile, England have called up Jon Lewis as cover for Flintoff for the next two One-day Internationals.

Lewis, who plays for Bristol-based Gloucestershire, joined the squad for Sunday’s practice session.—AFP