Missing Ashes 'not an option' says Flintoff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Missing the Ashes series through injury is "not an option" for England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who claims his recovery from knee surgery is on track.
The 31-year-old has been hampered by injuries in the last two years and his latest problem, suffered on Indian Premier League duty, has kept him out of the World Twenty20.
However, he is on the brink of a return to first-class cricket for Lancashire and is confident he will be ready for the first Test against Australia, which begins on 8 July.
"I am bang up to where I want to be at this stage and I have had no ill reaction. So far so good," Flintoff told the BBC.
"Not being fit for the Ashes is not an option.
"For English cricket the Ashes is the biggest thing for any of us. Having played in two I'm desperate to play for a third.
"Come Cardiff I will be available to play I've just got to get in the team now."
Flintoff will travel with Lancashire for their County Championship match in Durham which begins tomorrow.
"He is coming to Durham whatever. It's part of his whole rehab, to be integrated into the team here and back into cricket," said Lancashire coach Peter Moores.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments