Andrew Flintoff will see a surgeon later today to assess the extent of his groin injury. Flintoff's fitness is a major worry for England's selectors in the build up to Saturday's announcement of the squad for next week's third Test at Headingley. On Monday, Nasser Hussain admitted that Flintoff's participation while injured was "slightly unprofessional".

Flintoff had a scan on Tuesday but it turned out to be inconclusive so England ordered a second consultation "for a further assessment on his groin".

Dominic Cork's participation remains uncertain as he waits on the result of a scan on a knee injury but Craig White has already been ruled out of the match with an abdominal muscle tear.

There was, however, some good news with the revelation that John Crawley's injury is not nearly as serious as was first thought. Crawley damaged his left knee while fielding on the last day of the Trent Bridge Test and it was initially thought that he had torn his cartilage. Tests have revealed that he has suffered a strain and he should be available for selection.

England's selectors have been confronted with continual fitness problems this summer, fast bowlers Darren Gough, Andy Caddick, Alex Tudor and Simon Jones all missing Tests because of injury.

And adding to their difficulties has been the indefinite break from all cricket announced by Graham Thorpe, after the first Test at Lord's, following difficulties associated with the break-up of his marriage.

And while Paul Collingwood was unlikely to feature in England's plans until the Champions Trophy, he is currently undergoing treatment for a bulging disc at the bottom of his neck, which is causing him problems in the left arm. He had been due to undergo surgery, but the injury is responding well to treatment, and a further decision will be taken in a week's time.

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