Andrew Flintoff is expected to be fit to play in England's tour match against Australia A at Hobart on Friday.

The all-rounder missed the opening Ashes Test defeat at the Gabba because he had not fully recovered from a hernia operation.

He complained of stiffness while fielding as a substitute for the injured Simon Jones during the 384-run defeat in Brisbane.

But he has now been given the all-clear after a hospital scan on Monday.

"We're now very optimistic he will be able to play in this week's match," said England physio Kirk Russell.

Captain Nasser Hussain will travel to Hobart with his team on Tuesday before flying to Perth over the weekend to attend the birth of his child.

Hussain's pregnant wife Karen is due to give birth to the couple's second child on the eve of the second Test, which starts in Adelaide on 21 November.

England play back-to-back Tests, with the third match beginning in Perth the following week.

Coach Duncan Fletcher said Hussain had the full blessing of team management to miss the tour match.

"At the end of the day, the captain needs a break," added Fletcher.

"After that it's two back-to-back Tests.

"It's good for him and, in the end, it's going to be good for the team."