da dobrowin： Andrew Flintoff quotes
Andrew Miller22-Jan-2005
Andrew Flintoff: riding the pain train© Getty Images
Despite an ongoing problem with his ankle, which may require surgery whichwould keep him out of next week’s one-day series, Andrew Flintoff hasvowed to postpone all thoughts of a possible early return to England, andis fully focussed on delivering a first series victory in South Africa for40 years.Flintoff’s problem, a posterior impingement in his left ankle, is causedby an uneven bone growth in the heel, and it can be extremely painful whenthe foot bangs down in the delivery stride. He underwent a cortisoneinjection to enable him to play in this match, although any operation toremove the spur would require a three-month recovery period. With theAshes looming next summer, the sooner it can be dealt with the better.Flintoff, however, is not looking that far ahead. “I’m in constant touchwith Kirk [Russell, the physio], and a decision will be made at the end ofthe Test,” he said, after taking 4 for 44 to carry England into apromising position at the close. “But at the minute, my only aim is to getthrough the Test, and hopefully score a few runs as well, which would benice.”Flintoff is no stranger to cortisone injections and their side-effects -he has endured them in his back and again in his ankle last summer – andhe admitted he was not eager to undergo any more in this match unlessabsolutely necessary. “It is an option,” he conceded. “The area in theankle isn’t ligaments but a pocket of inflammation, so it is at least asafe area.”I’m certainly not looking to go home,” he added. “We’re 2-1 up and we’redesperate to win the series, so I can think about nothing else. I’ve justgot to try and get through. At this stage, I can’t be running in worryingabout it, especially when the ball is coming out nicely at the moment.”One minor plus for England’s cause, is that in all the excitement,Flintoff’s side injury – the one that made him a doubt for the fourth Testand caused Jon Lewis to be flown out as cover – has been largelyoverlooked. “To be honest,” he said, “I’ve completely forgotten aboutthat!”