Flintoff could bowl in India

Andrew Flintoff has revealed he is confident of playing as an all rounder in the Champion’s Trophy as he returns from ankle surgery.

It had been expected the Lancastrian would play as a specialist batsman while captaining the side. However, he has said: ” My rehabilitation programme was meant to stop in mid-October and that’s when the cricket starts, If everything goes to plan hopefully I will bowl but it’s just wait and see.”

He is also confident in the surgery he recieved on his ankle in June, saying: “It was something that was needed, my ankle and my body are as fit as they have probably ever been.”

If he is able to bowl it will be a big boost to England’s chances in the tournament, but the coaching staff will not want to risk an unnecessary injury which would put England’s Ashes plans in tatters. England will have a packed schedule this winter, with the Ashes being followed by the VB Series in Australia and of course the World Cup.

Despite the gruelling schedule, Flintoff seems to be relishing the upcoming months: “It’s going to be a tough winter, it’s going to be one to be enjoyed, getting the chance to play in the Ashes in Australia and the chance to go to the West Indies, it’s a tough challenge but I think it will be the best winter of our lives.”