Flintoff fitness worries Fletcher

Flintoff has been working hard but has not bowled much since June

England coach Duncan Fletcher admits he is concerned about captain Andrew Flintoff's bowling fitness ahead of the first Ashes Test against Australia.

The tourists had planned to play six batsmen, plus the wicket-keeper and Flintoff, in Brisbane on 23 November.

But as the skipper has bowled only five overs for England since ankle surgery in June they will play five bowlers.

"If we were confident of him getting through lots of overs we could probably look at four bowlers," Fletcher said.

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"But with Flintoff not bowling many, we've got to go in with five."

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Flintoff starred in England's 2-1 Ashes triumph over Australia last year, taking 24 wickets and scoring more than 400 runs in the five Tests.

He had insisted on arrival in Australia that three warm-up games before the first Test would be enough for him to play a full part at the Gabba.

The team for the three-day game before the Test match will more than likely be the Test side Duncan Fletcher

But Fletcher is unsure whether the Lancashire all-rounder can bowl the long spells needed in five-day cricket and is also concerned about the depth of England's batting.

Wicket-keepers Geraint Jones and Chris Read average under 30, while Ashley Giles has the best average of the bowlers, with 21.

To play five bowlers, one of Ian Bell, Alastair Cook or Paul Collingwood would have to miss out in Brisbane.

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"That's the thing we've really got to look at in the next couple of games we play in," Fletcher said.

"I'm a strong believer, and it's been proven right before, that you have to bat in depth."

England's first game is a one-dayer against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Friday, followed by three-day matches against New South Wales in Sydney and South Australia in Adelaide.

I still believe I have a lot to offer in both formats Duncan Fletcher

Fletcher said he would prefer to field his strongest team in the last warm-up game.

"The team for the three-day game before the Test match will more than likely be the Test side," he explained.

"I won't put my head on the block that it will be but there's a very good chance."

Former England batsman Geoff Boycott called for Fletcher to step down last month, saying he had reached the end of his "shelf-life".

But the Zimbabwean has no plans to call time on his seven-year reign.

"If you feel you have nothing to contribute and every time you pitch up you're lost for something then I'll have a look at my position.

"But I still believe I have a lot to offer in both formats of the game."