England's faltering Ashes campaign recieved a fillip after talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was declared fit for his Test farewell in the series-deciding fifth and final match against Australia starting August 20 at The Oval.
The 31-year-old, who was man of the match in the third Test at Lord's, sat out of the fourth match in Headingley due to a nagging knee injury.
England lost the match inside three days leaving the Ashes tied at 1-1.
Flintoff's return would be a massive boost for the hosts, who collapsed like a house of cards in Headingley.
"Andrew Flintoff's right knee injury was reviewed by his specialist in conjunction with the ECB and Lancashire CCC medical teams," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.
"The advice received was that the swelling in his knee has significantly eased following the decision by the England management team to rest him from the last Test match and that, subject to further rest and intensive treatment, he will be available for selection for the fifth npower Ashes Test at the Brit Oval," the statement added.
Flintoff retires from Test cricket after the Ashes and his return to the side for the final match will also ensure a full-house at The Oval.
He was reportedly upset at being left out of the fourth Test despite declaring himself fit.
His manager had on Monday claimed that Flintoff was stunned when told that he would not be selected and was not seen at the ground at Headingly as he was upset at being left out.
Meanwhile, pacer England James Anderson was also cleared for the fifth match after undergoing a scan on his inured hamstring.
"James Anderson also underwent a scan on his hamstring, which was clear. As there is no evidence of a significant tear, it is anticipated that he will also be available for selection for next week's final Test," the statement added.
