England expect Flintoff to be ready for third Test

England captain Andrew Strauss expects Andrew Flintoff to be available for the third Ashes test against Australia.



Flintoff has been troubled by a knee problem that threatens his participation in the remaining three matches of the series, which resumes in Birmingham, England on Thursday.



However Strauss is encouraged by the all-rounder\'s fitness and is confident he will continue to spearhead England\'s attack.



England lead the series 1-0.



Meanwhile, Strauss confirmed that Ian Bell would bat at four as a direct replacement for the injured Kevin Pietersen, who will sit out the rest of the series following Achilles surgery.