Flintoff set for comeback

Andrew Flintoff is set to make an early return to action in Lancashire's National League match against Middlesex, at Lord's on Sunday. Early indications were that he would not return to competitive action until mid-May and although he will only be playing as a batsman his comeback will be a boost to the England camp ahead of the Ashes.

Flintoff underwent ankle surgery after returning from England's Test series against South Africa at the end of January. He was originally given a timescale of around 12 weeks before he would be ready to play again, but he was worked intensively with Dave Roberts, the former England physio, and has been given permission to play by Dr Peter Gregory, the ECB's chief medical officer.

"I'm desperate to the back in action," Flintoff told BBC Sport. "It's over 10 weeks since I've had a game but I've felt in decent form in practice and I just want to get going again."

Dr Gregory visited Flintoff in Bolton and at Old Trafford where he bowled six overs in the nets. Mike Watkinson, the Lancashire cricket manager, said: "Dr Gregory spent time with Freddie watching him bat and bowl and there were no mishaps - he looks ready to play. It will be a boost for us but even more so for him because he has reached saturation point in his rehabilitation programme and just wants to get out there again with his bat."

If Flintoff gets through the National League match without any reaction he could make his first-class return in Lancashire's County Championship clash with Worcestershire at New Road, starting on April 27. However, he will still miss England's two Tests against Bangladesh.