Flintoff could feature for Lions in India

Andrew Flintoff could make a long-awaited comeback playing for the England Lions on their tour of India, according to the chairman of selectors, David Graveney.

"They are very happy with his rehab," Graveney said after announcing England's two squads to tour New Zealand next month. "There is a possibility, if his rehab goes to plan, of him going on the Lions tour at the end of January."

Flintoff, 30, underwent keyhole ankle surgery in October and has since been recovering in America. He hasn't played a Test match since the fifth Test of the 2006-07 Ashes in Sydney, and although he wasn't considered for England's tour of New Zealand, Graveney said he could feature for the Lions when they play in India's Duleep Trophy.

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

The Lions depart for India on January 24.