Forced out of the upcoming cricket Test series against India due to an
ankle injury, England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is desperate to
be back in the team for the ODI series that will follow.
"In terms of exact dates, it is hard to say. I hope to play a part against
India, but the one-dayers are a more realistic target," he was quoted by
'BBC Sport' as saying.
"The impatience is starting now. I've been back in the nets and I've been
hitting them all right," he added.
The 29-year-old is recovering from a third right ankle surgery
and is out of the Test series starting next week at Lord's. The seven-match
ODI series starts at Hampshire's Rose Bowl on August 21.
"Because I'm running now, doing proper things and working towards something,
I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I have a temptation to get impatient,"
he said.
Flintoff, however, admitted that he was not in best of form,
especially with the bat, before getting injured. But he was determined to regain
top form on his return to action.
"During the winter there was a clear dip in form and I want to get it
back," he said.
"The bowling was fine but I still think, no matter what I do with the
ball, as a top-six batsman I will always get judged on the runs I score,"
he added.
Though disappointed with the lean phase and injury breaks,
Flintoff said he had enough time in hand to make amends for the lost opportunities.
"For two or three years, I had things pretty much my own way, then I experienced
the other side of it. But I'm only 29 and I believe I've got my best years in
front of me. I can do it again," he said.
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