PTI
 
Faridabad, Mar 30: Paceman Irfan Pathan is a doubtful starter for the second one-dayer against England after he was laid low by a bout of flu.   
 
The Baroda player missed the practice session on Wednesday and captain Rahul Dravid hoped he would be fit for Thursday's match at the Nahar Singh stadium.

"Irfan had a bit of flu after the last game. He had fever and sore throat. We have only rested him as a precaution. Hopefully he should be fit," Dravid said.

There was a similar incident three months ago when Virender Sehwag skipped the team nets a day before the start of second Test against Sri Lanka at Delhi.

The opening batsman fell sick with similar symptoms and eventually missed the match.

Meanwhile, Munaf Patel might have to wait a few more matches before he gets his first ODI cap.

The right arm pacer bruised his left heel during practice before the first one-dayer in Delhi.

Dravid had said recently that the young crop of fast bowlers have to be preserved and protected from injuries that had seen many talents fade away in the past.

"Munaf went through the nets well. We are happy with the way he bowled. We will decide on him (playing the match) tomorrow. In the next matches, he should definitely be 100 per cent fit," the skipper said.