LONDON, Aug 18: Andrew Flintoff reckoned the best years of his career could still be ahead of him as he prepared for his England return during the upcoming one-day series against India.

Injury problems have beset the all-rounder since he played a leading role in England’s 2005 Ashes success but, following a fresh bout of surgery on his troublesome left ankle in May, he is due to face India in Southampton on Tuesday in the first of seven One-day Internationals.

Flintoff told Saturday’s edition of Britain’s Sun newspaper: “I believe the injury could actually help extend my career because I feel mentally very fresh.

“I won’t be playing when I’m 50 but I’m only 29 and there’s a lot left in me. I hope my best years are ahead of me.”

For all his Ashes triumphs in England, it was a different story for Flintoff come the return series in Australia during the 2006-07 season. The Lancashire star, leading England in the absence of injured captain Michael Vaughan, saw Australia win back the Ashes 5-0.—AFP