Andrew Flintoff will have to come through today's practice unscathed before England decide upon his participation in tomorrow's first Test against West Indies.

All-rounder Flintoff was sidelined with a side strain after just one day's action on this Caribbean tour.

Although a scan on his left side last week showed "no major damage", and things are looking positive, it is not 100 per cent certain that Flintoff will take his place in Andrew Strauss' first Test match in permanent charge of his country.

"We will see how I rock up tomorrow," said Flintoff.

"I bowled some overs in St Kitts, bowled some more today but I have still got to get through tomorrow and make sure I am fit going into the first day.

"I am hopeful and providing everything is all right, hopefully I will be fit."

Flintoff will be loath to miss any matches given his luck with injuries over recent years, which have played a significant part in him missing 52 Tests since his debut in 1998.

However, prior to his good progress in the past few days, the tour management team were erring on the side of caution, understandably concerned about worsening the damage at the start of a four-match campaign.

"It is a bowling injury which probably no-one wants," said Flintoff, whose international comeback last summer was delayed by a similar strain.

"The one main concern with it is that, although on the scan it is fine, there is a risk of aggravating it.