Freddie not to rush his comeback

Even as England’s Test skipper Michael Vaughan warned Andrew Flintoff that the all-rounder won’t be able to make it to the England Test side solely as a batsman, the Lancashire player continues his battle to get back into the team. The 2005 England’s Ashes hero, recuperating from his fourth ankle surgery in two years, has joined the England Lions—playing the Duleep Trophy here in Vadodara—as part of his rehabilitation programme, and spent a long time at the nets trying to get his batting rhythm back. He is yet to resume his bowling. He will not play in the tournament but his sheer presence with the team off the field is expected to inspire the Lions, particularly those in the squad aspiring to play for England. “He arrived last night. He brings a lot of energy and his knowledge of the game and Test experience will help those England aspirants,” said England bowling coach David Parsons.

The seamers in the Lions are looking forward to make the best of Flintoff’s presence. “He has played before in India. His tips will help us,” said right-arm fast bowler Graham Onions. Even Allan Richardson was upbeat. “He is such an inspirational cricketer. His presence will motivate us,” said Richardson. In October, Flintoff had a fourth operation on his left ankle in Holland, carried out by Professor Niek van Dijk, a leading orthopedic surgeon.