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Cricket

Flintoff hopes to be ready for opening New Zealand Test

04/04/2008

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff has revealed he expects to be fit and ready for selection for England's Test matches against New Zealand in May.

The Lancashire star has been out of action for his country since undergoing a fourth operation on his problematic ankle last year, which forced him to miss the tour of New Zealand over the winter.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed they are taking things slowly with Flintoff's recovery so as not to come up against a recurrence of the same problem again in the near future.

But the 30-year-old, who has played a full part in his county's preseason tour of the Middle East in preparation for the domestic season in England, believes he is now on the verge of being fit enough for an international return.

"There is a Test match on May 15th which I would love to be involved in," Flintoff explained.

"I have missed a lot of international cricket through injury and I don't want to miss any more - or at least as little as I have to.

"But I am under no illusions that if I am to get back in that side then I have to be fit and playing well.

"I would love to put my name in the hat but even if I am playing well they have just won two Test matches on the bounce. I would just like to be in the mix."

After the visit of New Zealand, who lost the home Test series to England 2-1 earlier this year, South Africa visit these shores for a four-match series in July and August.