Andrew Flintoff has lost his long-running battle for fitness and will return to England in a bid to ensure that he is ready for the start of the World Cup in two months' time. Rumours that the patience of the England management was exhausted had been circulating for a few days, and the news that Flintoff's tour was at an end was confirmed by Duncan Fletcher. "We've had a very difficult decision to make, and it is disappointing for us and him, " said Fletcher. "But Andrew is going to go back to the UK to try and get this thing sorted out for the World Cup.

"He is simply not making any progress at the moment. He has been checked out in Australia, and no one out here could find a problem."

Flintoff played in all three of England's warm-up games ahead of the VB Series, but took two wickets at a cost of 120 runs and only managed 34 runs. He appeared unable to bowl more than five overs without discomfort and that, allied to his continuing poor form, sealed his fate.

England immediately brought Adam Hollioake, who was visiting his family for Christmas, into the squad, the 31st player to become involved in England's tour.

Hollioake played the last of his 35 one-day internationals three years ago when England were knocked out of the World Cup by India.

Another player on the injury list, Andy Caddick, is doubtful for Friday's match after injuring his knee during Tuesday's defeat against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. England have already called up the Lancashire fast bowler, James Anderson as cover. Anderson, 21, has impressed at England's Academy in Adelaide, and is the second re-enforcement of the one-day tour, after Gareth Batty replaced Jeremy Snape, who flew home with a broken thumb.

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