BBC SPORT | ENGLAND ON TOUR | Flintoff injury irritates England

Andrew Flintoff may be forced to fly home just days after arriving in Sri Lanka.

To the annoyance of the England management, Flintoff arrived for the one day series carrying an injury.

The Lancashire all rounder failed to inform England in advance that he had suffered an ankle ligament injury.

England are already without Nasser Hussain for the one day series. The captain has confirmed he will return home after the final Test to recover from a thigh injury.

"We're very disappointed nobody informed the England team management of Andrew's injury, especially as it is now three weeks old," said coach Duncan Fletcher.

"Andrew underwent an x-ray yesterday and will continue to receive treatment over the next 48 hours, but if he fails to improve we will have no choice but to send him home.

"He's currently experiencing discomfort while batting and was unable to complete a fitness test with the other members of the one-day squad earlier today."

Flintoff is believed to have been sustained while playing football during Lancashire's pre-season training three weeks ago.

Andrew Flintoff: Returning home?

He will have until Monday to prove his fitness or face being sent home from his second successive England tour.

As a contracted player for the winter, Flintoff was obliged to inform England of any injuries - while there is also an understanding that counties should update Lord's if there is any change to a player's condition.

Instead, the first England learned of Flintoff's problem was earlier this week when he informed physiotherapist Dean Conway of his condition the day after his arrival in Colombo.

England will make a decision about a possible replacement at the end of the current Test. They will also decide on a stand-in captain, with Alec Stewart or Graham Thorpe the two most likely contenders.

"It's a big disappointment to miss out on the one-day series, but my priority now is to get my body right for the challenges that lie ahead this summer against Pakistan and Australia," said Hussain.


	^^ Back to top
	Front Page \| Football \| Cricket \| Rugby Union \| Rugby League \| Tennis \| Golf \| Motorsport \| Boxing \| Athletics \| Other Sports \| Sports Talk \| In Depth \| Photo Galleries \| Audio/Video \| TV & Radio \| BBC Pundits \| Question of Sport \| Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> \| BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII\|News Sources\|Privacy