Watkinson takes cautious approach

Lancashire's cricket director Mike Watkinson believes it makes sense for Andrew Flintoff not to take any risks with his comeback after the England all-rounder was ruled out for the remainder of the domestic season.

The 32-year-old has not featured for almost a year after undergoing two operations on his right knee and his anticipated comeback for Lancashire 2nd XI this week never materialised and he will instead continue his rehabilitation work, meaning he misses next month's Twenty20 Champions Trophy in South Africa with Chennai Super Kings.

"Whilst Andrew has made significant progress, the combined opinion is that he is not quite ready for a return to cricket," Watkinson said. "He will continue his rehabilitation into the winter months and we will constantly monitor and review his progress so that he is better equipped for a return to action."

He added: "Hopefully he will be able to get back into the game without the risk of a further breakdown - that is what he doesn't want.

"If he made a comeback now and something went wrong, that could maybe spell the end.

"He's still got some good cricket left in him and he wants to show that.

"It's not an easy road to get himself in the condition he needs to be in, but he's committed to doing that.

"He wants to get back and play cricket, that's behind the reason why he doesn't want to make a rush decision to come back and break down."