Flintoff to return for Lions

Andrew Flintoff is about to take another step down the road to once again becoming England's match-winning all-rounder.

Flintoff, who is fighting back from a fourth ankle operation, will play purely as a batsman in Mumbai tomorrow when the England 'Lions' take on a local side in a one-day game.

Flintoff, out of action since October, could also play for what used to be known as the A team on Thursday and Sunday but there is no question of him bowling in India. Indeed, the 30-year-old has yet to turn his arm over in the nets and his slow recovery from last autumn's surgery continues to be cause for concern.

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But the hope is that Flintoff, who travels to Abu Dhabi next month with Lancashire for a pre-season tournament, will be fit to bowl by the start of the summer.

"What you hope for is a 100 per cent fit Andrew Flintoff," said England's one-day captain Paul Collingwood in New Zealand today.

"We all know what he can do and we all want him back but he has to make sure he's ready and feeling no pain."

Phil Mustard, meanwhile will be given at least two more chances to prove himself at the top of England's one-day batting order.

The wicketkeeper has shown signs of promise during the series against New Zealand. But after eight internationals he has a highest score of only 31.

England trail 2-1 in the five-match series, with the next clash taking place in Napier tomorrow.