England today announced that the Lancashire all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is to fly to the ECB's National Academy in Adelaide tomorrow for further treatment following his recent hernia operation.

Flintoff, who underwent surgery following the 3rd npower Test against India this summer, has not yet recovered full fitness and missed the opening match of England's tour of Australia at Lilac Hill yesterday.

Coach Duncan Fletcher said: "Although Andrew's recovery programme is running behind schedule at present, we remain confident that he will be able to take part in the Ashes Series.

"However, our physio Kirk Russell has a heavy workload at present due to the number of injuries in the squad and we feel that the medical team at the Academy are best placed to give Andrew the intensive one-to-one treatment he needs if he is to be fit for the first Test in Brisbane."

No decision has yet been made as to whether the England selectors will send for a replacement for Flintoff while he is undergoing treatment at the ECB National Academy.

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