Flintoff eases fitness worries in nets

ST JOHN'S, Antigua, Apr 2 (Reuters) England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff bowled and batted in the nets today, easing concerns about an ankle problem ahead of Wednesday's World Cup Super Eights clash with Sri Lanka.

He batted for an hour and then had physio and a support applied to the left ankle before bowling several overs.

In Friday's win over Ireland, Flintoff left the field after twisting his ankle while bowling but he returned to finish with figures of four for 43.

''I don't see it as a serious problem,'' England coach Duncan Fletcher told reporters when asked about the ankle, which the 29-year-old has had surgery on twice in the past.

Flintoff has endured a troubled World Cup, being stripped of the vice captaincy and banned for the Canada group game because of a drinking session and then recovering from a stomach bug to face Ireland.

The seven-week tournament, which England have never won despite appearing in three finals, culminates in the final on April 28 in Barbados.

Reuters DH VP0016