Flintoff aims big

Flintoff in action in the field during England Lions' victory in Mumbai © Getty Images

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Andrew Flintoff speaks exclusively to ECBtv following his comeback for England Lions.

Andrew Flintoff set his sights on “scoring some big runs” for club and country after making a successful return from injury for England Lions in India.

The all-rounder played as specialist batsman in the three-wicket win over a Mumbai XI on Tuesday, his first competitive action since England exited the ICC World Twenty20 last September.

Though Flintoff made just four, the fact he is unable to bowl as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery makes him doubly determined to prove his worth with the bat.

The Lions have two one-day games remaining on the tour of India, and Flintoff is hoping to use them - as well Lancashire’s pre-season tour of Dubai - to convince the selectors he deserves his place in the England side.

“I'm desperate to get back on the field and play for them but I’ve got a bit to prove - you can't just walk into a side such as England’s,” Flintoff told ECBtv.

Flintoff has spent five months sidelined by an ankle problem

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“Hopefully I'm going to get the chance to start the season with Lancashire, which will give me five or six weeks before the first Test match.

“I want to get into some rhythm with the ball, and the one thing I desperately want to do is score some runs with the bat - some big runs, which I’ve not scored for a while now.

“Ankle pain has not helped the batting, and I've not been able to string innings together, batting day in, day out.

“That's the reason I'm here now - to rediscover some form and score runs at number six. I'm by no means in sparkling form but I'm getting there.”

While Flintoff admitted “a few more runs wouldn’t have gone amiss” in the tour match, he was delighted to be back on the field after a lengthy rehabilitation period following a fourth operation on his left ankle.

He added: “It's been a while since I played competitively, so it’s nice to spend 50 overs out in the field after such a long lay-off.

Flintoff is keen to prove his worth with the bat for Lancs

“I'm feeling a little bit stiff after yesterday - you actually forget how long 50 overs is - but it’s nice to be around a cricket team again, especially getting the chance to play as well, which I didn't think I was going to a few weeks ago.

“The main focus has been getting fit, spending four of five hours a day with (Lancashire physio) Dave Roberts doing my rehab, and so far, so good.”

Flintoff is hoping to make his bowling return in Dubai with Lancashire when they compete in the Arabian Cricket Challenge Trophy next month.

The week-long tournament, which also features Yorkshire, Sussex, Essex and Somerset, will provide Lancashire and Flintoff with valuable match practice before the LV County Championship season gets under way on April 16.

England’s first Test of the summer, against New Zealand at Lord’s, starts on May 15.

“I've not bowled a ball yet and it's probably something I'll push more with on pre-season to Dubai with Lancashire,” said Flintoff.

“Hopefully the ankle's going to be fine to do it when I come back to do it. Fingers crossed I can start the season fully fit for Lancashire.”