Flintoff targets India ODI return

The all-rounder has all but ruled himself out of the three Tests which precede the ODIs - the first of which starts at Lord's next week - but he insists he can come back from his current ankle injury stronger than ever.

"Hopefully if the ankle keeps responding to everything we're doing, I'll be back playing sooner rather than later," Flintoff said. "In terms of exact dates, it is hard to say. I hope to play a part against India, but the one-dayers are a more realistic target."

He added: "We've sat down with coach Peter Moores and the England medical team and they're happy with how it's going. I'm hitting my targets.

"The impatience is starting now. I've been back in the nets and I've been hitting them all right. Because I'm running now, doing proper things and working towards something, I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I have a temptation to get impatient."

The first ODI is at Hampshire's Rose Bowl on August 21, with the final clash of the epic seven-match series at Lord's on September 8.

Flintoff's ankle problem, which needed an operation earlier this year - his third - rounded off a difficult period for the Lancashire player.

A lack of form with the bat and well-publicised disciplinary problems left him open to criticism, but Flintoff has vowed to come back stronger than ever.

He said: "During the winter there was a clear dip in form and I want to get it back. The bowling was fine but I still think, no matter what I do with the ball, as a top-six batsman I will always get judged on the runs I score.

"For two or three years I had things pretty much my own way, then I experienced the other side of it. But I'm only 29 and I believe I've got my best years in front of me. I can do it again."