Interview: Chairman of selectors David Graveney

By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent

The main business was to announce England's squad to face Pakistan in this week's second Test at Old Trafford.

But the most interesting line to emerge from David Graveney's bunker was the possiblility of Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles and Simon Jones playing in Australia's domestic competition before the Ashes.

This would allow England to properly assess the progress made by three key players, and judge more accurately their prospects of taking part in the series.

There is also the chance of their playing club cricket in South Africa, but it must be very much in Australia's interests to agree to Graveney's request.

Millions of dollars have been paid up front by members of the public for the most keenly anticipated Ashes in living memory.

I have a feeling that Dalrymple is Duncan Fletcher's first-choice spinner for the Ashes because of his batting ability

It would border on the dishonest if Cricket Australia did not play its part in ensuring that the best players - those that effectively sold the tickets - were able to compete.

Flintoff clearly faces an agonising wait to see if his rehabilitation - estimated at three months - allows him to make the start of the tour.

In his prolonged absence, Andrew Strauss will continue as captain but, interestingly, his appointment falls short of the one-day series against Pakistan.

It was not Strauss' fault that England lost 5-0 to Sri Lanka earlier this summer, and I am sure when the time comes that the Middlesex man will continue in the role.

Liam Plunkett is another injury worry having picked up a side strain playing for Durham.

These types of problems are very bad news for bowlers.

And the fact that he has been included in the squad for the second Test against Pakistan is merely because the medical staff have not yet seen him.

If Plunkett really has a strain, it will effectively rule him out of the rest of the series.

This gives Jamie Dalrymple an excellent chance of playing in Manchester because England's tail is beginning to look hopelessly long.

Either Geraint Jones or Dalrymple could bat at number eight.

And I have a feeling that Dalrymple is Duncan Fletcher's first-choice spinner for the Ashes because of his batting ability.

He knows that England's spin attack will make a negligible impact on that series - other than in a defensive, run-saving role - but he badly needs lower order runs.

Monty Panesar needs to look warily over his shoulder in Dalrymple's direction.