Sydney: Adam Hollioake is likely to get an England recall later on Thursday after Andrew Flintoff became the latest casualty on an injury-ravaged Australian tour.

Coach Duncan Fletcher confirmed the Lancashire all-rounder was to become the fifth England player to be sent home after his recuperation from a double hernia operation stalled.

Hollioake was last week named in England's 30-man provisional World Cup party, but has not played international cricket since the 1999 tournament.

"There is a very good chance that Adam Hollioake will be the immediate replacement. He is in Perth. I just want to confirm that with the convenor of selectors. It will just be for the One-day squad," Fletcher said here on Thursday.

Having taken the early months of the 2002 county season off following the death of his brother and England teammate Ben in a Perth car crash, Hollioake returned to the game with a fresh outlook.

The combative all-rounder, who captained the England One-day side in 14 of his 35 appearances, played with a zest and boldness that had for so long been associated with his younger brother.

He captained Surrey to the county championship and, in nine first-class matches, Hollioake scored five 50s and two centuries, including a blistering 208.

He also registered an unbeaten Limited Overs century, while his bowling in the shortened game was devastating.

Of those who bowled 30 overs of more in the season, only Ian Harvey and South African captain Shaun Pollock had a better average than Hollioake's 14.86 and best return of five for 43.

Flintoff will follow Darren Gough, Simon Jones, Ashley Giles and Chris Silverwood to England in the coming days, where he will work with a specialist medical officer already appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"We've had a very, very difficult decision to make over the last 48 hours. It's very disappointing for Andrew and also for the England set-up," Fletcher said.

"Andrew's going to go back to the UK to try and get this injury sorted out, hopefully for the World Cup (in February and March).

"He's making no progress at the moment. I've been in touch with Lord's and it was agreed this was the right decision for England and Andrew."

The 25-year-old defended himself against criticisms from ECB chairman Lord MacLaurin, who claimed last week the Lancastrian had not taken his recuperation seriously.

"Going home isn't something I thought I would be doing, but I can go home and see the medical officer and do whatever he says and get ready for the World Cup and get 100 per cent fit," he said.

"I've done my rehab and done everything that was asked of me."

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Aussies keenly await pay back vs Lanka on fast tracks
Flintoff fails to recover, likely to return to England soon