Flower has surgery on melanoma

England's coach, Andy Flower, had an operation to remove a melanoma from his right cheek yesterday. He was absent from the second day's play of the first Test of the Ashes series but is expected to return before the end of the match.

An England team spokesman said: "He was not at the game today, because he had a melanoma taken out, which was successful. At this stage, he is expected to be fine."

The melanoma appeared in the last two days and, after medical consultation, minor surgery was scheduled.

"He went off for a routine check, and they said they felt it prudent to take it out," the spokesman said. "He may well be back on deck tomorrow, or most definitely the following day. As far as he is concerned, it is business as usual."