Flintoff: Lay off Pattinson

2:40am Thursday 24th July 2008

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has played down the impact of Darren Pattinson's surprise inclusion in the team to play South Africa in the second Test at Headingley.

Pace bowler Pattinson, born in England but raised in Australia, leapfrogged over more obvious candidates following an injury to Ryan Sidebottom and into the team which lost by 10 wickets inside four days.

Flintoff, who made his long-awaited comeback from injury in the same Test, confirmed the rest of the team did not know about Pattinson's selection until the Friday morning, but told Sky Sports News: "I don't think that should affect anyone's individual performance."

Flintoff revealed he had played against Pattinson in a Twenty20 match and insisted he had bowled a "decent pace".

Asked about the possibility of Steve Harmison - who has been in strong form for Durham - returning for the third Test, Flintoff added: "Steve's a class performer. With Simon Jones and Matthew Hoggard there's probably quite a few to pick from."

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