Flintoff to undergo surgery, out for 12 weeks

LONDON, July 22 (Reuters) England captain Andrew Flintoff will undergo ankle surgery early next week and is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said today.

The diagnosis means he will miss the rest of the Pakistan series and the Champions Trophy in India from Oct 7 to Nov 5.

''Andrew Flintoff saw a specialist today morning where it was decided that further surgery is required on his left ankle,'' the ECB said in a statement.

''His rehabilitation and return to full fitness is anticipated to be in the region of 12 weeks.'' The timescale released by the ECB medical team means Flintoff should be fully fit by the time the first Ashes test begins in Brisbane on Nov 23.

Flintoff missed the first test against Pakistan which ended in a draw at Lord's last Monday.

He had experienced discomfort in his ankle while bowling in Lancashire's four-day county match against Kent this week.

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