Freddie hopes fade for Bangladesh return

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Flintoff, 31, went under the knife almost as soon as he retired from Test cricket at the end of this summer's successful Ashes campaign and, despite turning down an incremental contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board, committed himself to his country's limited-overs team, starting with the trip to Bangladesh in February.

Writing on his blog on www.andrewflintoff.com, the Lancashire player said: "I am delighted to report my recovery is still on track after a quick trip back to the UK to visit my knee specialist, Andy Williams. (But) I must admit that saying I would be fit to play for England in Bangladesh in mid-February may have been a touch optimistic on my part."

He added: "I must admit I was a little concerned. I was anxious and it was playing on my mind that he was going to say the operation had not been successful.

"It was the first time the specialist had really looked at my knee since the operation and I had a scan prior to the check-up so he could examine the results. Fortunately, he was very pleased with my progress.

"It was a huge weight off my mind and a big relief that I was on track.

"I know I'm not in the clear yet and there is still a lot of hard work to be done, but so far, so good and it is very good news because if he'd said he was disappointed with my progress I'd have been devastated."

Reflecting on his initial prognosis, he added: "I'm still some way away from playing again.

"The important thing is that I am still on track to play again and I am prepared to wait as long as it takes to get back onto the field."