Flintoff return put on hold

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With play due to start at Blackpool cricket club at 11am this morning, officials arrived to a waterlogged outfield and puddles on the wicket itself.

After a brief inspection, the first day of the three-day championship match was cancelled.

England all-rounder Flintoff, 29, endured his third bout of ankle surgery earlier this summer after feeling discomfort during a LV County Championship match with Hampshire in May.

As a result of the operation, he missed all the Test and one-day clashes with West Indies and has all but ruled himself out of the current Test series with India.

Flintoff was more bullish about his chances of featuring in the ODIs with the Indians which follow the Tests next month, but any hopes of being involved hinge on how he fares for the Red Rose county.

At the weekend, the centrally-contracted player was given the England and Wales Cricket Board's blessing to participate in the second XI game as a batsman only.

Lancashire have confirmed there will be a further inspection tomorrow morning to see if the second day can go ahead as planned.

But, with the outfield rain-sodden and further showers forecast for later today, officials are pessimistic about the chances of play in the match.

Should no play be possible at Blackpool this week, Flintoff's return is likely to come in Sunday's friendly between Lancashire and Sri Lanka A at Liverpool.

Whether he would have been able to participate after three days of cricket for the second XI would have been open to question but the chance to test his ankle in friendly competition is now thought to appeal to Lancashire coach Mike Watkinson.