LEEDS (England), Sept 1: England were left waiting on the fitness of Andrew Flintoff once again after the star all-rounder suffered a fresh injury to his troublesome left ankle ahead of Sunday’s fifth One-day International against India at Headingley.

Flintoff didn’t bowl in the nets at Yorkshire’s headquarters on Saturday, although he did bat.

England captain Paul Collingwood told reporters at the ground after practice.

“Freddie’s got a little bit of soreness in his ankle again. We’ll have to wait and see about him in the next few hours. He’s icing it up as usual but he has got a little bit of tenderness there. I’m sure he’ll seek advice from the medical team,” the skipper said.

Collingwood added that if Flintoff was ruled out, fast bowler Chris Tremlett would be likely to take his place, saying: “It looks a pretty typical Headingley pitch and it looks as if it will be overcast.”

Meanwhile, India’s paceman Zaheer Khan was doubtful for Sunday’s ODI against England.

The fast bowler twisted his ankle while batting during Thursday’s three-wicket defeat at Old Trafford, a result that left India 3-1 down and needing wins in all the remaining three games to claim the seven-match series.

Left-armer Zaheer missed practice at Headingley on Saturday and is now set for a fitness test before play on Sunday. His absence would be a huge blow on a ground where the often overcast conditions can assist swing bowlers.

Back-up pace bowler Munaf Patel has been erratic while Zaheer’s fellow left-armer Rudra Pratap Singh and the experienced Ajit Agarkar have been inconsistent.—AFP