Flintoff to return for CT

Star England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff may be ready to return to the international side as soon as the Champions Trophy next month, according to chairman of selectors Dave Graveney.

England will name their squad for the competition on September 7, and Graveney has said that it the outlook on Flintoff’s potential inclusion is “extremely positive”.

Flintoff may also be in line for captaincy duties, with the responsibility likely to be left with either he or Andrew Strauss, but he may be excused from bowling until his recovery is complete, playing instead as a specialist batsman. Graveney said that the potential batsman-only Flintoff was due to the September 7 deadline, which will force England to include players in the squad they aren’t certain will be fit to play, including Flintoff and perhaps also Ashley Giles.