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Flintoff was ready to play

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 11/08/2009

The agent of England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has claimed that his client declared himself fit for the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley.

The 31-year-old was ruled out due to a knee injury, with team director Andy Flower and captain Andrew Strauss having the final say over selection.

Flintoff's representative, Andrew Chandler, told The Times: "I've never seen anybody as low as Flintoff was on Thursday night when he was told he would not be selected.

"He told them that he was fit enough to get through, that he felt no different to how he felt at Edgbaston and that he could get through and do his bit. They didn't want him."

Meanwhile, former England opening batsman Marcus Trescothick has ruled out returning to the international fold for the fifth and final Ashes Test against online betting favourites Australia at The Oval.

The 33-year-old left-hander has not featured for England for three years due to off-field problems and is not about to end his international exile.

"He told the Bristol Evening Post: "I'm retired, it's done and dusted."

Can England win the Ashes back at The Oval? - Latest Cricket Betting

Barcelona have hinted that they will not spend a huge fee to try and tempt Arsenal to part with Spain international midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The 22-year-old started his career with Barca, before heading to England to link up with the Gunners six years ago.

However, Fabregas has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland, despite Arsenal making it clear that they do not want to sell.

Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain told Marca: "It depends on how much we want to spend. If we spend a lot of money, it is possible (to bid for Fabregas).

"We do not know how much it will be yet. We have not asked Arsenal. If the amount is too high, we will not try."

Central defender Gary Cahill has pledged his long-term future to Bolton Wanderers by agreeing a new three-year contract.

The 23-year-old former Aston Villa stopper has impressed since joining the Trotters 18 months ago and has moved to the fringes of the England team as a result of his club form.

World number one Tiger Woods roared to a four-shot victory at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational title at Firestone Country Club.

Woods shot a final round 65 to overturn a three-shot overnight deficit, with third-round leader Padraig Harrington only able to shoot 72 on the final day, finishing joint second alongside Australia's Robert Allenby.

The Irishman's hopes of victory vanished at the par five 16th, where he took a triple bogey eight.

One shot further back in joint fourth were Hunter Mahan and Masters champions Angel Cabrera, with Open champion Stewart Cink was among the group one further shot adrift.

New Zealand have recalled Dan Carter for the final rounds of the Tri-Nations series.

The inspirational fly-half has missed the All Blacks' opening two defeats to South Africa following a lay-off with an Achilles injury.

But despite playing just three comeback games for club side Canterbury, he has been drafted into the international squad.

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