Flintoff still on course for first Ashes test

LONDON, July 27 (Reuters) England all rounder Andrew Flintoff is still on course to captain his country in the first Ashes test against Australia starting on Nov. 23 after surgery to remove scar tissue at the back of his left ankle.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board today said Flintoff had undergone surgery yesterday.

''Following the operation, the surgeon advises that the rehabilitation period will be in the region of 12 weeks as previously stated,'' the statement said.

Flintoff, who succeeded the injured Michael Vaughan as England captain, has not played for his country since the drawn series against Sri Lanka this year.

Andrew Strauss is leading England in the current series against Pakistan.

REUTERS AB PM2244