England in no hurry to recall Flintoff

England are refusing to put a date on Andrew Flintoff's return to international cricket following their Test series success in New Zealand.

England face the Black Caps again at home this summer before playing four Tests against South Africa, but they are remaining patient over the 30-year-old Lancashire all-rounder, who is now playing again following a fourth operation on his troublesome left ankle.

"We're deliberately not putting a date on it," stressed England coach Peter Moores. "He's got to be fit and feeling good about himself first."

He added: "Andrew's progress is very promising. He's bowling and the reports back are good. The key for him is not to push it until he feels very happy in himself, and the medical staff are very happy at where he's at.

"When he's in the right sort of form then we will make the decision of how and where he will fit into that England team.

"It's nice he's progressing so well because as a cricketer he's one of those players that can make a real difference."