England advised to save Freddie
Andrew Flintoff has been plagued with problems in his ankle
Thursday, 17, Jan 2008 09:53
Former England star Alex Tudor has warned selectors they could end Andrew Flintoff's career if they rushed him back to international cricket.
Flintoff had a fourth operation on a troublesome ankle in October. The all-rounder has been plagued with problems with the ankle since the lead up to the 2005 Ashes series.
The 30-year-old was pencilled in to return during an England Lions tour to India, but he pulled out of that and Tudor believes Flintoff should take as long as he needs to fully recover from the latest operation.
"Maybe it's better not to try to rush him back and most probably end his career," said Tudor. "We need to be giving him as long as possible to get the ankle right for bowling.
"He's had that many operations on that ankle, he has to make sure he gives himself the best chance before coming back.
"Even if he puts off his international career for six months or so then everyone's going to benefit."
Flintoff is now expected to make his return for Lancashire in a tournament in the United Arab Emirates in March. Teammate Mal Loy said "Freddie won't want to come back too soon, which is a very wise thing to do."
England tour New Zealand in February and March to play five-one-dayers and three Tests. But Flintoff is unlikely to play any part in that series and is more likely to return for the home series against South Africa in the summer.