You are in > manchester.com  > News > Flintoff injury fears eased

Cricket

Flintoff injury fears eased

15/01/2008

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have played down fears over England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's injury recovery.

The Lancashire player has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming England Lions tour of India in order to continue his rehabilitiation programme after his latest bout of ankle surgery.

Several pundits voiced their fears that Flintoff's progress in making a comeback after his fourth ankle operation last October had been complicated and his future career could be in doubt.

But a statement from the ECB said the 30-year-old's injury recovery is "progressing well" and he is expected to be back in action for his county before the beginning of the summer season.

"Andrew Flintoff will not be joining the Lions squad for the tour of India and is currently making good progress with his recovery from ankle surgery," the statement read.

"He will continue his rehabilitation programme with Lancashire and it is anticipated that he will be available for their pre-season tours of India and Dubai."

In addition to Flintoff, two other players have ben forced to drop out of the 14-man Lions squad for the India tour.

The Worcestershire pair of wicketkeeper Steven Davies (knee) and spinner Kabir Ali (ankle) have been replaced by Essex stumpsman James Foster and Gloucestershire pace bowler Steve Kirby.

Nottinghamshire paceman Charlie Shreck has also been called up in place of Flintoff.