Flintoff could play again this season after operation

LONDON, June 2 (Reuters) England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff could play again this season after an exploratory operation on his injured left ankle.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board said yesterday early signs indicated the operation had been routine.

''Andrew will require a programme of strengthening before he can start to return to training and bowling. It is anticipated that he will aim to return to playing cricket before the end of the summer,'' the statement said.

Flintoff, 29, who has undergone surgery on the ankle in 2005 and 2006, missed the first two tests in the current four-match series against West Indies after feeling pain in his foot while bowling.

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