Flintoff focussed on England recall

Andrew Flintoff: feeling his way back to match fitness © Getty Images

After an eight-week lay-off due to ankle surgery, Andrew Flintoff is on course to make his return to England colours for the one-day series against India, after batting and bowling during Lancashire's 108-run defeat by Sussex at Liverpool.

Flintoff bowled eight overs in the course of the match, taking 0 for 26 but generating good pace and hostility. He is expected to play a key role in the Twenty20 finals day at Edgbaston on Saturday, and with the first of seven ODIs against India coming up on August 21, his participation is likely to hinge on whether he comes through a tough Roses match against Yorkshire at Headingley.

"I would love to be involved, of course I would," said Flintoff. "I want to get back playing for England but I obviously know to do that I have to perform. I have got confidence in my ankle and I actually believe that I am now ahead of schedule."

Flintoff has spoken to England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney, and intends to make himself available for the one-dayers. "I sat down and chatted to Grav the other day and told him that I want to be in there. I was always expecting to be fine. I have been happy with the way that my progress has been because I had bowled a few overs indoors and outdoors."

England announce their squad for the NatWest series on Monday, as well as the final 15 for the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa next month. "It's been a while since I have been in any squad," said Flintoff, who must first concentrate on county duty.

"Once I get beyond next week I want to get back in an England shirt. But I keep saying that these games aren't fitness tests for me because we are trying to win trophies here at Lancashire."

Obviously this defeat has not gone according to plan but it is nice to be involved in a game of cricket. It was a competitive game of cricket."