HAMPSHIRE seamer Chris Tremlett is expected to be dropped by England for this afternoon's fourth ODI against India at Old Trafford.

Andrew Flintoff should replace him providing he has recovered from the slight knee problem which sidelined him for Monday's outstanding win at Birmingham, which put England 2-1 ahead in the seven-match NatWest Series. But Tremlett's Rose Bowl colleague Dimi Mascarenhas is expected to return after he damaged a hand in the warm-up at Edgbaston.

The all-rounder will replace Owais Shah, who was hastily brought into the side following Mascarenhas' late injury for his first appearance of the series.

Flintoff, meanwhile, could skipper England if illness prevents Paul Collingwood from leading the side.

Only five months after being stripped of the vice-captaincy for his role in the drinking antics during the World Cup in St Lucia, Flintoff is ready to lead out the side again if Collingwood fails to recover from the stomach cramps which prevented him attending practice at Old Trafford yesterday.

Full story in today's Daily Echo.