31 Mar 2009

England hopeful on Pietersen and Flintoff for decider

6:30 am on 31 March 2009

The England cricket side is hopeful Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff will be fit for Saturday's decisive fifth one-day international against West Indies in St Lucia.

Pietersen suffered a back spasm during the nine-wicket victory in yeterday's rain-affected fourth match, which tied up the series at 2-2, while Flintoff injured his thumb.

Captain Andrew Strauss says Flintoff will have to work in the injury but they're confident he'll be fine.

And Strauss also played down Pietersen's remarks in a newspaper interview that he was at the "end of his tether" and was ready to go home.

He says the former captain has been supportive and very professional.

After a disappointing test series defeat, Strauss says the final one-day international is a chance to raise morale with an Ashes series looming against Australia.