FLINTOFF IS PATIENT

Andrew Flintoff is following a patient approach to his rehabilitation programme at the start of the season.The 30 year old England all rounder had been sidelined due to fourth surgery on his troublesome left ankle and he has just now initiated the steps to recovery.He made a comeback earlier this week in a match for England lions as a specialist batsman but was sidelined for Thursday's game due to a stomach bug.This has been very encouraging for the player who has not played without discomfort since 2006.Well we all hope Flintoff recovers fully and is back to his best for the coming season.

KIWIS MAKE TWO CHANGES TO THE SQUAD

New zealand have made two changes to the squad after medium pacer Micheal Mason has failed to recover from a side strain.He was replaced in the third onedayer by Paul Hitchcock who played for the Kiwis after a gap of four years.Hitchcock was hammered for 56 runs in his seven overs and he now finds himself out again.Promptly he is now replaced by Ian O brien.Jesse Ryder is having a muscle pull and David Flynn is now his back up.Flynn averages 52 in the domestic season and he is considered a good option for replacement.