Flintoff to get back to his best

Andrew Flintoff believes he is only one good innings away from re-establishing himself as an international-class all-rounder.

The 29-year-old Lancastrian has been working tirelessly in the nets after recovering from his ankle problem ahead of the seven-match one-day series against India which begins at Hampshire's Rose Bowl on Tuesday.

While Flintoff remains England's most economical seamer in both Test and one-day cricket, his batting remains a matter of debate.

He has not scored a Test century for 17 matches stretching back to the Ashes series of 2005, and he failed to produce a major innings during England's disastrous World Cup campaign during the winter.

But Flintoff is determined to prove himself, telling reporters: "The bowling takes care of itself. From picking up a ball in the nets I can land it somewhere near and it's pretty much uncomplicated.

"As for the batting, a few more runs or a big score would have been nice but I'm desperately close - it's so close to being exactly where I want it to be."

Flintoff, who is yet to score a half-century this season having played two County Championship matches for Lancashire, added: "I think I'm one score away, and a bit more time in the middle away from everything falling into place. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm confident I will be."

Meanwhile, seamer Ryan Sidebottom has been ruled out of England's opening one-day international against India by his ongoing side injury.

He will continue to receive treatment at the ECB National Cricket Performance Centre, where he has undergone rehabilitation treatment since suffering the problem during the third npower Test against India.

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