Ashes high: England's Andrew Flintoff celebrates winning the Ashes in 2005 Photo: PA Flintoff deservedly became a sporting icon after England's unexpected Ashes victory in 2005, but that reputation has been held together by slim pickings and sutures ever since, so often has he been injured. Indeed, he is recovering from a micro-fracturing operation to his right knee in Dubai. But even if he makes a full recovery, England's selectors should take a deep breath and move on.   Related Articles Bell: boxing saved England career England must seize initiative Mike Gatting's rebel team faced South Africa fury Sport on television Andrew Flintoff impresses without reward to play his way into England contention Selectors must must their make policy clear as England prepare to face South Africa That will sound like heresy to the fan in the street, but England's Test team have proved they can function perfectly well without him, so why not the one-day side? Andrew Strauss has occasionally missed the control his bowling brings, but he has learnt to budget for it without compromising his plans.[Read more...]