Flintoff's career on a knife edge

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Andrew Flintoff faces the daunting prospect of a fourth operation on his left ankle as anxious England increase their efforts to save his career. England?s medical team have been gathering information from specialists in four countries to help them decide how tofree Flintoff from the debilitating pain that has brought an abrupt end to three comebacks in three years and put his cricketing future in jeopardyMore... [h1]Flintoff's career on a knife edge[/h1] By PETER HAYTER - More by this author » Last updated at 19:15pm on 6th October 2007 Comments Andrew Flintoff faces the daunting prospect of a fourth operation on his left ankle as anxious England increase their efforts to save his career. England's medical team have been gathering information from specialists in four countries to help them decide how to free Flintoff from the debilitating pain that has brought an abrupt end to three comebacks in three years and put his cricketing future in jeopardy. The option of the 29-year-old Lancastrian going under the knife for the fourth time is being actively pursued with a view to getting him fit for next summer and to give him the best chance of making the 2009 Ashes. A source close to Flintoff said: "Surgery is definitely being explored as an option. The belief is that Fred could well benefit from another operation,as long as it is followed by at least six months recovery time." England are resigned to being without Flintoff in Sri Lanka and if he does undergo surgery, the rehab would also rule him out of the tour to New Zealand early next year. When Flintoff returned to action following his third operation last summer, England had hoped to be able to manage his condition day by day. In the one-day series against India they did so with limited success; England winning three of the four matches he played and eventually triumphing 4-3, thanks to his brilliant bowling at Lord's. But he was in clear discomfort bowling during the World Twenty20 in South Africa and the moment England were knocked out signalled the end of his latest comeback.Since then ECB doctors have sought advice from the United States, London, Holland and Australia. They are due to meet Flintoff and physio Dave Roberts in London shortly to consider options and ankle specialist Dr Niek Van Dijk, whom Flintoff visited recently in his Amsterdam clinic, would be the favourite to operate. But those who fear the worst for Flintoff may not be easily convinced that further surgery will succeed where three operations have failed. Test skipper Michael Vaughan said: "I am concerned about Fred. I'm not sure I could go through another operation and the all the work required afterwards again. It's more tiring than playing." Flintoff's big friend Steve Harmison added: "I played golf with Freddie this week and though he did his best not to show it or say it, clearly, deep inside, he is hurting. "Inside his mind and body, there is frustration and pain that England are playing and he is not. "I've watched him work his socks off trying to get fit to play for England, not once, not twice, but three times. This last time he was so ready it was unbelievable. But each time he has come back, he has had another kick in the teeth and you only had to look at him bowling in the World Twenty20 to see how hard it hurt. "Yet, while he is honest and realistic enough to understand the possibility that his career might be over, the Freddie I know is nowhere near giving up yet. If he really thought there was no chance he would announce his retirement and get on with his life. If the medics say let it take six months, let it take six months, even if he says he feels great after three."

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Freddi did really well against India and England looked a different unit when Freddi played. The 4th operation to his annkle :whatchutalkingabout It must be extremely frustrating.