LONDON, Sept 2: England top all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is on course to return to the team for the ICC Champions Trophy in October, chairman of selectors David Graveney said on Saturday. Flintoff has not played since undergoing a second operation on his left ankle in July.

England have to name their squad by 7 September and Graveney said: "We will consult our medics, but it's extremely positive Freddie has got a chance. There has been talk of him playing as a batsman in the initial stages."

Flintoff would also be a candidate to lead the team if passed fit, and it would be a tough choice between him and Andrew Strauss.

But Graveney said: “The selectors haven't even discussed the question of the captaincy yet."

There is also good news about spin bowler Ashley Giles, who has not played at all this summer following a series of injury problems.

"Giles has now been signed off and he's now concentrating on cricket-related skills. He's walking through his bowling action now, which is a very positive sign.

"We're going to have to put people in there who we're not quite sure about," Graveney added.—Agencies