ANDY FLINTOFF is at the centre of a new injury storm -- and England coach Duncan Fletcher is furious.
Flintoff, who has worked so hard this winter to recover from his back problems, only arrived in Sri Lanka last week in time for the one-day series.
But now he has been given until Monday to prove his fitness because of an ankle ligament injury which he suffered playing football in Lancashire's pre-season training three weeks ago.
Fletcher and the England management are especially unhappy that no-one at Lancashire informed them of the new injury until Flintoff arrived.
It is not the first time they have clashed with Lancashire over Flintoff.
The Red Rose club were furious last summer when the England management leaked their unhappiness at Flintoff's weight to the press, and implicitly blamed Lancashire for it.
"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." 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, but they have already confirmed captain Nasser Hussain will not stay on for the one-day series after injuring his thigh on the opening day.
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