Flintoff targets early summer return

Andrew Flintoff has begun the slow path back to bowling fitness with a few gentle overs during Lancashire's training and is targeting an England return as early as the first Test against New Zealand on May 15.

Flintoff has been undergoing a very cautious rehabilitation since the ankle operation - his fourth - he had late last year and his four overs, off two or three paces, was the first time he'd bowled since the ICC World Twenty20 in September. His recovery programme has included a spell with the England Lions in India, where he played two one-day matches as a batsman, and he is now preparing for Lancashire's pre-season trip to the UAE.

"I've had a good few weeks, I was in India for three weeks with the Lions and the academy of Lancashire and this morning was the first time I've turned my arm over," Flintoff told Sky Sports News. "I bowled off about two or three paces for four overs and it feels fine, but I think the acid test is when I get back playing properly, probably halfway through the summer to see if stands up to what it needs to.

"I'm hoping to start the season fully fit batting and bowling. I think the first game we've got is at the Oval for Lancashire."

However, a possible international return during New Zealand's visit in May is a far more positive prognosis than had previously been suggested. Flintoff was expected to spend much of the summer with Lancashire with a possible comeback against South Africa for the second series of the season - at one stage the following winter tour was the target.

"I'm going to have to perform for Lancashire to put my name in the hat for England," he said. "So first and foremost I'm concentrating on this Dubai trip and starting the season well for Lancashire and hopefully I can be playing on May 15 at Lord's."

If Flintoff's pre-season trip with Lancashire goes to plan and he doesn't suffer any reaction in his ankle he is also expected to play for MCC against Sussex in the season-opening fixture at Lord's, starting on April 10.