Fletcher (right) says Flintoff "always gives 100%"

England, who have two more ODIs left, trail the hosts 4-0 after Sunday's match was washed out.

Flintoff, who would have been rested on Sunday, has won 99 England caps but with a busy 12 months ahead he may have to wait to complete his century.

"We want to rest Freddie whenever we can. We saw this as an opportunity the other day," said Fletcher.

England play India in Jamshedpur on Wednesday and the final one-day international is in Indore on Saturday.

"We will manage it on a game-by-game basis. I spoke to him about it even before the one-dayers started," Fletcher said.

"It is both mental and physical fatigue. The mental side does play a part and you have to look at both sides.

I have not got a definite plan as I don't know how much cricket guys will play in the summer but I have a general plan England coach Duncan Fletcher

"Once Fred has got a ball in his hand or bat in hand he gives 100%."

The 28-year-old was outstanding in the drawn Test series, earning a deserved man-of-the-series award, just as he did in the Ashes triumph last summer.

Flintoff faces a hugely busy 12 months, with a full domestic season, the ICC Champions Trophy, an Ashes tour and the World Cup ahead of him.

"That is why I pull guys out of county cricket in May - I am looking at September whereas other people are looking at next week," Fletcher added.

"I am looking forward all the time at the programme.

"I have already thought right through all the way to the back end of the Australia tour because it is important to plan how we are going to manage things all the way through to the World Cup.

"I have not got a definite plan as I don't know how much cricket guys will play in the summer but I have a general plan."