Flintoff hoping for Lancashire return

Andrew Flintoff could make his comeback from injury against Middlesex at Lord's this weekend.

England's inspirational all-rounder had an operation in February to remove a bone spur from his left ankle after battling through the Test series in South Africa.

Now, a couple of months later, he looks ready to take his first tentative steps back towards the big time by playing for Lancashire in Sunday's totesport League game.

But if Flintoff does play at Lord's it will be purely as a batsman because, to date, the 27-year-old has only bowled a few gentle deliveries in the nets.

"I'm desperate to get back," he said recently. "I feel in decent form. I just want to get going again."