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Flintoff to join England Lions tour

04/01/2008

Andrew Flintoff is set to join the England Lions squad for their tour of India in his latest bid to prove his fitness.

The all-rounder hopes to play for England's junior squad when they fly out to compete in the Duleep Trophy on January 24th.

Flintoff, 30, was not considered for England's first tour of New Zealand in seven years, which starts on February 5th.

The Lancashire star had a fourth operation on his troublesome ankle in October, after experiencing pain at the Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa, and has been resting in America.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney is confident Flintoff will join the likes of Monty Panesar on the tour of India.

"They are very happy with his rehab. There is a possibility, if his rehab goes to plan, of him going on the Lions tour at the end of January," Graveney said.

"He's very keen to get back playing cricket so there is a possibility of him joining up as a batsman only as part of his rehab.

"Everyone has their fingers crossed to get him back bowling and at this stage it is going according to plan."

Flintoff has not played Test cricket since the defeat to Australia in Sydney in January 2007.