Flintoff not too bothered about not being part of IPL

Mumbai, Feb 20 (UNI) England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff today said he was not too concerned about the money spinning Indian Premier League and it was not something he missed being a part of.

The English star who is currently in India to train with the England Lions team (England 'A') after ankle surgery said here today, ''It's not an option for the English players since we tour during the winter and play country cricket during the summer. Lancashire and the England Cricket Board have looked after me well and my concern is to get on the field for them.'' The Englishman, who played his last ODI against India in September last year, felt that being under the knife four times was not 'ideal' and has kept his fingers crossed hoping that this time the injury wouldn't recur again.

''Each time I made a come back and bowled 150 overs, I have struggled. I have consulted a surgeon and I am confident to make a comeback,'' he said.

He was keen to discover some lost form, which has affected his game, he expressed.

''(I have) Not been able to play competitive cricket and playing with pain has affected my batting. I want to try and discover some form in the nets and in few other areas.

People bowl around the world and get injured. The pressure that goes to my ankle at the time of the delivery is 10-12 times my body weight and I am also a big fellow. But its unfortunate not being a part of the squad,'' the all-rounder said.

The time spent off the field was frustrating but gave a good opportunity to spend quality time with his family, he added.

''But now I want to come back. I don't want to bowl at 70 or 80 mph but want to touch the 90 mark. I am just 30-year-old and have a long way ahead,'' he stressed.

He would once again start bowling only when he reaches Manchester and takes doctor's advice. Flintoff said he would also participate in the fixtures in Sharjah with his county and also a mini-tournament involving the United Arab Emirates.

Commenting on the retirements of Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist he said, ''Their departures won't bring a downfall in the Australian team as they somehow manage to find the perfect replacements.'' ''There are some really good players replacing them like Stuart Clarke and Mitchell Johnson, who have performed really well,'' Flintoff pointed out.

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