Andrew Flintoff, sidelined for the first two Tests of the series against West Indies has been ruled out of the remainder of the series and perhaps for the rest of the summer. ECB confirmed that he would be undergoing a third bout of surgery on his niggling ankle injury that has dogged his career for the past three years.
The all rounder reported soreness while bowling in the nets on the eve of the Lord’s Test earlier this month, and was then ruled out of that match, and also could not play last week’s record innings-and-283-run victory against West Indies.
Andrew Flintoff has undergone rigorous fitness testing over the past two days, most recently 30 minutes of net bowling on Tuesday, but has reacted with further discomfort in his left ankle. Despite intense treatment and rehabilitation, Andrew’s ankle has continued to cause him discomfort when bowling at full capacity. As a consequence he will undergo an exploratory arthroscopy over the weekend. This current ankle injury is separate to the previous posterior impingement injury and while a comprehensive timescale of rehabilitation will be clearer following the operation, the recovery period is not expected to be as long as Andrew’s previous surgery,
ECB chief medical officer Nick Peirce said.
Although, Flintoff underwent surgery in 2005 and than again in 2006, yet the ankle problem continued to hamper him during the recent Ashes whitewash by Australia.
Obviously I’m bitterly disappointed to face another operation on my ankle as I really thought I was making progress over the past few weeks. I’ve been working really hard on my game and the rest and rehabilitation appeared to be helping the ankle, but after giving it a strong workout this week, it now seems an operation is the only option. Having bounced back from ankle surgery before I know how much work is ahead of me but I’m desperate to get back playing for England and determined to overcome this setback as soon as possible,
Flintoff remorsed.
Flintoff is now targeting the first Test against India starting at Lord’s on July 19 as his comeback game.
Fllintoff has been a wonderful performer for his side. His injury is a big blow to the morale of a squad who won handsomely at Headingley but without the all rounder. England’s new coach Peter Moores, hopes a quick recovery for the all rounder.
Via: Cricinfo
