By Sam Hathaway
July 22 2006

Andrew Flintoff continues to worry England fans with a new injury scare ahead of the massive ashes test this winter. He will undergo surgery on his ankle and is likely to be out for 12 weeks and could miss part of the ashes series if not fit.

But chairman of selectors David Graveney has reassured fans that the England all rounder will be fit for the ashes series if the rehabilitation goes to plan.

Flintoff felt some pain while bowling for Lancashire on the last day of there match against kent as this match was seen as a fitness test.

This news means that Andrew Strauss, who was impressive as captain in the first test, will lead the team out for the 2nd test and this means Ian Bell looks certain to keep his place. Most fans were impressed with his captaincy in the first test but were desperate to see freddie back in action for England.

David Graveney said:

"He has worked really hard for the last four or five weeks to get to this point," said Graveney.

"I don't think I've ever seen him as fit as he looks at the moment, apart from his ankle.

"But if the predictions for the rehabilitation and recovery are on course he will be fit before we set off for Australia."

England fans will hope he can recover from this as he has looked as fit ever and was looking good on his recovery.