Flintoff in for captaincy

MANCHESTER – Andrew Flintoff could find himself leading England against India on his home ground today just months after being stripped of the vice-captaincy.

England captain Paul Collingwood missed training at Old Trafford yesterday with a virus and, although he is expected to return in time for Thursday’s match, Flintoff revealed the Durham all-rounder had asked him to lead the side if he had to go off the field. Flintoff lost his position as deputy to Michael Vaughan, then England’s one-day captain in March when, during the World Cup, a late night drinking session culminated in him being discovered on a pedalo in the early hours of the subsequent morning.A recurrence of a left ankle injury has sidelined Flintoff for most of England’s home international programme this season.Then, having played the first two matches of England’s one-day international series, he missed the team’s 42-run win at Edgbaston on Monday with soreness in his right knee.Nampa-AFPFlintoff lost his position as deputy to Michael Vaughan, then England’s one-day captain in March when, during the World Cup, a late night drinking session culminated in him being discovered on a pedalo in the early hours of the subsequent morning.A recurrence of a left ankle injury has sidelined Flintoff for most of England’s home international programme this season.Then, having played the first two matches of England’s one-day international series, he missed the team’s 42-run win at Edgbaston on Monday with soreness in his right knee.Nampa-AFP