ENGLAND face a major dilemma over the all-rounder's role for the opening Test against Australia on Thursday as they decide whether to risk the fitness of Andrew Flintoff just one match after his return from a hernia operation.

The Lancashire vice-captain made his competitive comeback in this week's three-day drawn match with Queensland, scoring three and claiming two for 112 from 26 overs just over a week after being sent to the Academy to complete his rehabilitation from the surgery at the end of last season.

The tourists were delighted with his efforts, particularly as he had been unable to run at full capacity or bowl when he left the squad and flew to Adelaide to receive intensive care, but they have taken their toll on his body.

After delivering 18 overs on the opening day, he was noticeably stiff the day after and struggled to regain the pace England will need on a regular basis when they face up to the might of Australia at the Gabba.

It is that doubt which may prompt England to instead rely on Craig White, who was added to the squad as cover for Flintoff, and put the Yorkshire all-rounder in line for his first Test appearance since suffering an abdominal strain during the draw against India at Trent Bridge last August.

"That will be the main debate in the selection over the next few days," admitted captain Nasser Hussain today.

"Both the all-rounders have played in a game and we will have to weigh things up.

"Andrew has nothing to prove in our team. He's been there for a year or two and has performed and the only thing he has to prove is whether he can do it two or three days running because of his body now and whether we take that gamble.

"The first day of this week's game he was fine, but on the second day he was stiff and I don't know if he can do that over five days of intense Test match cricket if he's not 100% fit."

Flintoff has also been the subject of some scrutiny by the Australian media, who have questioned his selection for the tour squad at all after analysing his Test statistics with a batting average of 19.48 and a bowling record of 47.15.

But Hussain is fiercely protective of his major all-rounder and insists that his performances since his return to England's Test side in India last winter are not reflected by his Test record.

Hussain stressed: "Statistics aren't everything. As captain there are certain players you like having in your side and there are certain players with the potential of doing things that other players can't.

"There are certain players that when the ball is 70 overs old and other people are hiding will hold their hands up and do the tough yards for you, will always want to stand at slip to take the catches and who are strong enough to go out there with those statistics with the belief he can do it and Andrew Flintoff is one of those people.

"He's got to improve those statistics definitely, but anyone who has watched us and watched Freddie progress over the last year or so will have seen him do certain things that other people in England can't do."