Flintoff nears top of ODI MVP

Andrew Flintoff took 3-31 and scored 26 in the third ODI against India at Kanpur

Andrew Flintoff's courageous performance in the third one-day international against India in Kanpur sees him close the gap on Stuart Broad at the top of England's ODI MVP.

Flintoff took 3-31 from nine overs and scored 26, closing to within 22 points of Broad, who made a duck and claimed a single wicket at Green Park.

The Lancashire and England all-rounder has been gaining on the pinnacle of the ODI MVP since he returned to the one-day side in August. He holds second place despite having played five fewer ODIs than the rest of the top five.

Captain Kevin Pietersen remains third although Owais Shah (40) and Ian Bell (46) boosted their positions - fourth and fifth respectively - with useful innings yesterday.

Ravi Bopara's 60 at the top of the order was not enough to put him in the top 10.

Broad still leads the overall England MVP with Pietersen second, James Anderson third, Flintoff fourth and Bell fifth.