“He has that bit of X-Factor. You know when you give him the ball he can create something, make things happen when he bats and take wonderful catches. His stature in the dressing room is important and I’m sure teams around the world would rather play England without Freddie in the team” - Michael Vaughan on Andrew Flintoff’s recall to the test side at the expense of Paul Collingwood.
More here.
“The club was aware in 2007 that there were questions as to the player’s immigration status, that they failed properly to check the eligibility for registration, then or thereafter. They still had not done so when they submitted their list of registered players to ECB in April 2008. An application for registration, if made, would have immediately flagged up the problems. The player not being qualified to play for England needs the consent of the ECB Board before he can be registered” - statement from the ECB appeals panel following Yorkshire’s expulsion from the Twenty20 Cup.
More here.
“He’s got a stiff back, nothing too serious” - England bowling coach Ottis Gibson comments on Ryan Sidebottom’s fitness.
More here.
“As of now we are at the first stage where one sample has tested positive. The issue is now with the IPL’s medical committee. The identity of the player will matter only after we check on the pre-declared drugs” - IPL commissioner Lalit Modi.
More here
“There’s a lot to play for tomorrow - a draw would give South Africa a massive boost, and if England were to win after the disappointment of today, it would lift them too” - TMS’ Christopher Martin-Jenkins on the prospects for the fifth day of the first test.
More here.
“The fact that Andrew Flintoff has played a central part in England’s preparations here at Lord’s has made it pretty clear that he will line up against South Africa in the second Test” - Jonathan Agnew, TMS blog.
More here.
“I think we all have to regard it as an extra incentive” - James Anderson on news that Andrew Flintoff will not be joining the side facing South Africa for the first Test.
More here.
“The ECB were last night insisting the Sri Lankan board had signed a tour agreement and that it was logged with the ICC last week as part of the Future Tours Programme. However, the prospect of a second string Sri Lankan team touring next year cannot be ruled out as the lure of the IPL holds increasing power over international players” - The Telegraph’s Nick Hoult on the prospects of a hastily-arranged Sri Lankan tour going ahead.
More here.
“I’ve got an alter ego called Gunther. When I start bowling, he takes over. Gunther lives in the mountains in Germany. When he was a kid there was a lack of oxygen going to his brain, so something went wrong in his mind. As soon as I get thrown the ball it’s like a little switch goes in my head. It’s time to get aggressive” South Africa’s Andre Nel on his mental match preparation. Be afraid, be very afraid…
More here.
“Plenty of ink has been spilt, and justifiably so, over the pace attack of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini, a trio who could well leave England batsmen pining for Chris Martin, Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram… England cricket fans could be in for a long month” - The Guardian’s Lawrence Booth on the upcoming South African tour.
More here.