Andrew Flintoff is due to undergo surgery on his right knee as the all-rounder begins his race to be fit for the Ashes.

Flintoff has been ruled out of England's two-match Test series against West Indies, which begins at Lord's on 6 May, after suffering a torn meniscus last week during his spell with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. He is expected to be out for up to five weeks.

With the battle for the Ashes starting on 8 July, ECB chiefs are convinced that Flintoff will recover but whether he will be firing on all cylinders after suffering yet another injury remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Paul Collingwood is set to be named England captain for the World Twenty20 when the final squad of 15 is announced on Friday. The Durham all-rounder is the principal contender to lead the side in the competition, which begins on 5 June.