Flintoff May Return to Four-Day Cricket
Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of his second season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), after exploratory surgery on his knee this week, but signs are positive he may yet return to four-day cricket.
Flintoff initially underwent knee surgery the day after the Ashes 2009 victory to remedy a micro-fracture and, after the amount of rehabilitation he endured in his curtailed career, had retired from Test cricket to concentrate on the one-day formats.
Positive news from surgeon, Andy Williams, though has led England’s talisman to believe he may yet return to County Championship action with Lancashire.
“It is disappointing not to be able to play for Chennai [Superkings}, who have been very supportive during my time with them,” Flintoff said.
“But I took this decision because I love playing cricket and I want to give myself the best chance of extending my career.”
Initially targeting the ODI series against Bangladesh for his comeback, Flintoff had to backtrack and target the start of the IPL, then the English season’s beginning which coincided with the World Twenty20 in the West Indies.
The return to four-day cricket and international cricket has provided Flintoff a much bigger incentive that he had thought possible – enough to get him through the necessary rehabilitation, Flintoff hopes.
“During my time in rehabilitation I have been watching England playing well in South Africa and it has made me realise how much I missed cricket.
“For the first time in my career I have watched old footage of myself playing on youtube and I want to get back to playing like that again.
“First and foremost I have to prove to myself that I can regain my fitness and perform for Lancashire. My first love remains playing for Lancashire and I want to help them win trophies.”
Though the red rose county will have to wait until midway through the season, Lancashire are delighted to have Freddie’s all-round services in the Championship, as well as the new 40-over league and T20 Cup.
Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson said: “To have a stronger Fred available for all formats of cricket can only be a great thing for Lancashire.”
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