England's preparations for the first Test have received a boost with the news that Andrew Flintoff's recovery has been so dramatic that not only has he rejoined the tour party but he is also being considered for this weekend's match against Queensland at Brisbane. Flintoff, 24, had been sent to Adelaide for intensive treatment after making a slow recovery from a hernia operation. His condition improved significantly over the past week, leaving Nasser Hussain delighted.

"It's very good news," he said. "Andrew has worked very hard in Adelaide. He has got up early every day and worked his socks off. I hear he is bowling in the nets at 80 per cent, and he wants to make himself available for the Brisbane match. This is obviously very good news for the team. We will just have to wait and see what happens before we can make any big comments, but it is much better news than it was a week ago."

Hussain added that Michael Vaughan and Darren Gough, both suffering from knee injuries, had been making good progress. "Vaughan is improving steadily and batting with the bowling machine," said Hussain, "and Gough is doing run-throughs and will probably try to get in the field tomorrow. It's a bit late, but the injury situation is certainly getting a bit better."

Hussain said he hoped that Flintoff and Vaughan would be available to play in Brisbane, but he was uncertain about Gough's prospects, with the first Test barely a week away.

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