Flintoff undergoes surgery

Andrew Flintoff has received yet another setback in his return to international cricket after needing to undergo surgery on his troublesome left ankle.

The ankle surgery, his fourth, will ensure he misses the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka and possibly the tour of New Zealand later next year.

“The surgery was performed successfully and, at this stage, the surgeon is optimistic that he has addressed the underlying root of the problem,” The ECB said in a statement today.

“Flintoff will not be made available for this winter’s Test series in Sri Lanka and at this stage it is considered unlikely that he will participate in the tour of New Zealand.”