Troublesome ankle may rule out Freddie from ODI tri-series

London, Jan 4 (UNI) Andrew Flintoff's nagging ankle injury may force him to return home at the end of the Ashes, ruling him out of the tri-nation ODI series that follows the Tests.

Flintoff's left ankle has been troubling him even after undergoing a surgery before the Ashes and the talismanic allrounder complained of pain soon after the opening Test.

Flintoff admitted that his ankle troubles whenever he bowls and concerns over his fitness have grown after he bowled just six overs on the second day of the ongoing final Test in Sydney.

According a 'Times' report, the skipper's fitness will not be risked ahead of the World Cup, which starts in another two months' time in West Indies, and he may comeback home to recover from the injury.

The triangular series, which also features New Zealand apart from hosts Australia, will start in Melbourne next week.

UNI