Andrew Flintoff stayed on course to make his farewell to Test cricket in next week's fifth and final match of the Ashes series at the Oval after being named in a 14-man squad today.
Also included was uncapped Warwickshire batsman Jonathan Trott, who is now set to make his Test debut against Australia when the series finale starts on Thursday in a match England must win to regain the Ashes.
Trott is in line to replace Ravi Bopara after the out-of-form batsman was dropped from the squad completely.
England also gave themselves additional bowling options by including left-arm spinner Monty Panesar and left-arm quick Ryan Sidebottom.
Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Paul Collingwood, Matthew Prior (wkt), Andrew Flintoff, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Stephen Harmison, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom
* AFP
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
