Flintoff back in business

Andrew Flintoff is all smiles on his return to action for England Lions in India © Getty Images

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Andrew Flintoff was simply “happy to be out there again” after making his comeback from injury for England Lions in India.

The all-rounder, who had not played any competitive cricket since the ICC World Twenty20 last September, made little impression on a thrilling victory over Mumbai.

He made just four and did not bowl as the Lions won by three wickets with a ball to spare, but he took a catch at second slip and suffered no ill effects to 50 overs in the field.

It represented Flintoff’s first action since he underwent a fourth ankle operation in October, and his mere presence on the pitch was more important than his contribution to the result, according to ECB performance director and Lions coach David Parsons.

“It was good to see Fred back playing again,” Parsons told ecb.co.uk.

“It was unfortunate that when he went in we had a run-chase on, and he didn’t get many runs.

“But judging by the look on his face when he went out to bat, he was just happy to be out there again, and he came through without any problems.”

Flintoff saw Liam Plunkett hit a six off the penultimate ball of the match to secure victory in the first of three one-day tour games, Michael Carberry having paved the way for the Lions’ pursuit of 269 with a superb century.

Flintoff in the field during the three-wicket win in Mumbai

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And Parsons confirmed Flintoff was never likely to risk aggravating the ankle problem that has troubled him for years by bowling at the Brabourne Stadium.

“He has trained really hard in the few days he has been out here with us, and worked hard in the nets,” added Parsons.

“But there was never any intention of him bowling in this game - that has always been the case.

“His bowling is not at the top of his list of priorities at the moment - it’s more about getting the mileage back in his legs.”

Parsons reserved special praise for Carberry while also drawing attention to the continuing development of Adil Rashid.

The all-rounder helped steer England home after a mid-innings wobble with an unbeaten 22 off 12 balls, reinforcing the positive impression he has made on this tour.

“They are two of the players that have stood out,” said Parsons. “This was Michael Carberry’s second hundred of the tour - he also got a 90 in one game - and he’s been in good form.

“We’ve always known about Adil’s talent - he had a really good summer with Yorkshire, and this is his second Lions tour. He has shown how good a player he is at this level.”

The Lions face Maharashtra on Thursday before completing their tour of India with a game against Saurashtra on Saturday, one-day tour matches arranged following their elimaintion from the Duleep Trophy.