Flintoff itching to make a come back

United Kingdom News.Net
Friday 9th May, 2008 (ANI)

London, May 9 : English all rounder Andrew Flintoff has said that he is ready to make a come back next week to the national squad and is itching to play for the country once more.

Flintoff's superb bowling performances for Lancashire this summer shows that his recovery from further ankle surgery is almost complete and he is desperate to play in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

"I definitely feel I could play a Test match now. I've missed a lot of international cricket in the past, so I'm itching to play for England once more," Flintoff said.

"My bowling in both forms of the game has been going very well. The ball is coming out nicely and there have been no ill-effects or twinges in the ankle, which is a big relief," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Meanwhile, former England teammate Marcus Trescothick claimed that Flintoff should be brought straight back into the Test team.

And Aussie Justin Langer described a spell from Flintoff as like facing Joe Calzaghe in the boxing ring.

The only concern is Flintoff's batting. He was dismissed for a third successive duck on Thursday in Lancashire's match against Durham at Old Trafford.

Flintoff, who has been in regular contact with the selectors, insisted that in the nets he was hitting the ball fine.

The selectors met on Wednesday - when Freddie took 4-21 - to discuss the squad for Lord's and will pick the final squad on Saturday.

However, former English all-rounder Ian Botham reckons that selectors should wait before opting to recall Flintoff.

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