Flintoff should be allowed a day off

Tomorrow is quite probably their last opportunity for a breather before Christmas. On top of that, though, what better time can there be for England to have a proper look at newcomer Andrew Strauss while giving run-outs to Anthony McGrath, Gareth Batty and James Kirtley in case any of them are needed in Sri Lanka next week?

The conservative view is to keep your foot firmly on the opposition's throat.

But the only conceivable danger to England tomorrow is complacency. Bangladesh have two or three players of promise but, collectively, they are so poor that it must be increasing difficult for Michael Vaughan's men to stay razor sharp in thought and action.

There were signs of throttling back during the seven-wicket stroll in Chittagong and again here yesterday before the same ultimately crushing margin of victory was repeated.

Flintoff, though, is operating on maximum revs - and what a great sight he has become for English cricket.

Always talented, this supremely powerful young man has turned himself into one of the game's hardest workers and, at just 25, there is no limit to what might be achieved if he can stay fit.

Only Bangladesh will be truly sorry to see Flintoff playing again tomorrow after his unbeaten innings of 55 and 70 and bolt-tight bowling.

But resting him would enable England to give Ian Blackwell a more prominent batting role at No5.

Flintoff should be an inspiration to Blackwell, who can hit the ball as cleanly and as far as the man of the moment. Only the Somerset all-rounder knows, however, whether he is sufficiently hungry to succeed.

The one real worry for England at the moment is at the top of the order, where Vikram Solanki urgently needs a big score.

Since making a high-class century against South Africa at The Oval in June, the Worcestershire batsman has failed six times out of seven. Two dropped catches yesterday merely added to his discomfort.