England boosted by Murali's absence

England and Sri Lanka will eye a possible Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia as they battle for top spot in Group D.

England and Sri Lanka will eye a possible Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia as they battle for top spot in Group D with a Zimbabwe side that has had its spine ripped out by internal politics.

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England and Zimbabwe begin the 16-day competition on Friday at Edgbaston with the home side buoyed by Andrew Flintoff's return after he missed the defeat to India at Lord's last Sunday to see the birth of his daughter.

The inspirational all rounder has been in fantastic touch in the last year having matured from a slogger into one of the world's best even if England's one-day form has been indifferent with three wins in the last eight completed games.

Opener Marcus Trescothick is always capable of a powerful innings, however, and fast bowler Steve Harmison has begun to translate his excellent test form into the one-day arena.

"I feel now I am getting into the groove of one-day games," he said, although he is well aware that Flintoff remains England's match winner, especially now he is a father.

"It gives you a spring in your step," Harmison added.