Flintoff focused on present
Click here to watch the full exclusive interview with Andrew Flintoff on ECBtv.
Andrew Flintoff is refusing to look beyond the start of the season as he steps up his recovery from injury.
The all-rounder made his comeback after five months on the sidelines in England Lions’ victory over a Mumbai XI on Tuesday, playing as a specialist batsman.
Flintoff’s rehabilitation following a fourth operation on his troublesome ankle is going well, although he was denied the opportunity for more match practice after a stomach bug kept him out of Thursday’s defeat by Maharashtra.
Supporters’ thoughts will inevitably be drawn toward next year’s Ashes against Australia, which will precede the ICC World Twenty20 in England.
But Flintoff is adamant that his expectations do not extend beyond the first npower Test between England and New Zealand , which starts on May 15.
“You're talking about the World Twenty20 and the Ashes, but they’re a while off,” Flintoff told ECBtv.
“Rehab has gone well and it’s nice to be back out there, but I'm not getting too far ahead of myself.
Flintoff insists his rehabilitation following ankle surgery has gone well © Getty ImagesBuy this photo“I’m concentrating on what's happening today - working at my game and going on Lancashire’s pre-season trip to Dubai, getting some form and starting the season well for Lancashire.”
Lancashire depart for the United Arab Emirates on March 10 to compete in the Arabian Cricket Challenge Trophy, a week-long tournament also featuring Yorkshire, Sussex, Essex and Somerset.
Flintoff is hoping to make his bowling return on that trip - he has not bowled a ball since undergoing surgery in October - and is equally excited by the prospect of simply turning out for his county.
“Everyone goes on about missing playing for England, and I do, but I love playing for Lancashire as well,” he added. “I’m looking for getting out on the pitch for the Red Rose too.”
The 30-year-old also admitted to feeling refreshed after another lenghty spell out of the game, the like of which have restricted his appearances for county and country in recent years.
“It's been an extended lay-off but it's given me an opportunity to spend time with my family - that's something I've not done a great deal of away from cricket,” Flintoff said.
“I've distanced myself form it a bit and [the children] have taken up a lot of my time, but now’s the time to get back into cricket.
“I've not been around it for so long, it's just nice to be around a team again.”
Lancashire season gets under way on April 16, when they meet Surrey at the Oval in the LV County Championship.
By Justin Goulding
Andrew Flintoff is hoping to be fit enough to start the domestic season with Lancashire in April
