X-ray reveals no fracture in Flintoff thumb

The England camp was breathing a sigh of relief this morning, after it was revealed that Andrew Flintoff had not fractured his right thumb while fielding, during the opening match of the NatWest Challenge at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

Flintoff, who clubbed England to victory with 34 not out from 23 balls, had been forced to leave the field during India's innings, and later went off to hospital for an X-ray, which the England management later confirmed had merely been precautionary.

England are loath to take any chances with their greatest asset, especially with the Champions Trophy fast approaching. After the discovery of a bony spur on his left ankle, he was rested for the first half of the NatWest Series against New Zealand and West Indies, although he was later recalled purely as a batsman.

Flintoff is now all set to take his place in England's one-day side for the second of three matches against India, at The Oval tomorrow, where England will be aiming to wrap up the NatWest Challenge with a match to spare.