Flintoff boost for England

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Having feared their influential 29-year-old all-rounder would be ruled out for the whole summer - including the Test and one-day series against India - an exploratory operation on his troublesome left ankle on Friday indicated he should return later this summer.

It is a major boost for Flintoff and England, who have lacked penetration without their most consistent bowler during the current series against West Indies as they prepare to name the squad for the third Test at Old Trafford.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board's medical staff confirmed: "Early signs are that the operation was routine and Andrew will begin his rehabilitation accordingly following successful removal of tissue contributing to anterior impingement in the ankle.

"Andrew will require a programme of strengthening and proprioceptive work before he can start to return to training and bowling. It is anticipated that he will aim to return to playing cricket before the end of the summer."

It is the third operation Flintoff has had on the same ankle in three years, the last one taking place last summer which sidelined him for three months and he only just made it back in time to lead England to the Champions Trophy and their disastrous Ashes tour.

But throughout the winter, Flintoff felt some discomfort in the ankle which flared up again during Lancashire's LV County Championship match against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl shortly before the opening Test.

He was named in the squad for the second Test at Headingley, which England won by an innings and 283 runs without him, but once again was unable to prove his fitness when he tried to bowl in the nets.

Flintoff had hoped to finally shrug off the injury and feature for Lancashire in the current championship match against Sussex at Hove, only to be ruled out again and booked in for Friday's exploratory operation.

The current problem is believed to be separate from the bone spur problem he suffered last year, but he now faces a race against time if he is to feature for England this summer.