Andrew Flintoff's chances of playing for England in the second Test against Pakistan have taken a knock because of fresh problems with his left ankle. He will see a specialist on Saturday when it will be decided whether or not he will play in next Thursday's match.
Flintoff experienced discomfort bowling on the final day of Lancashire's match against Kent at Canterbury.
"Bowling against Kent was intended as the final test of progress," said the England and Wales Cricket Board.
But he bowled just two overs on the final day at Canterbury having managed 19 on the first two days.
Flintoff missed the whole one-day series against Sri Lanka and the first Test against Pakistan to recover from a bone spur problem in his ankle.
But it had been widely predicted he would recover tocaptain England at Old Trafford and he has already been named as skipper for the Ashes series starting in November.
His rehabilitation work has focused on strengthening the muscle around the problem joint.
He has trained intensively, and has been running on hills in Lancashire and in Dartmoor.
The ECB said in its statement: "Andrew has made good progress with his rehabilitation from an injury to his left ankle.
"He has worked extremely hard and at every stage of the rehabilitation program has shown improvement."
But despite those encouraging words, England face the prospect of playing the second Test without their captain and most inspirational player.
Andrew Strauss will again lead the side if Flintoff is declared unfit.
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