Andrew Flintoff may not return to the England Test team until next winter, Lancashire sources are quoted as saying, despite his possible call-up to the England Lions team as a batsman next month.

The 30-year-old all-rounder, who had a fourth ankle operation in October and has been recovering in America, could feature as a batsman in the Lions team which will compete in the Duleep Trophy, India's domestic competition.

But sources at Lancashire are understood to believe Flintoff, 30, could miss a second successive summer of international cricket before he is considered fully fit to bowl again following .

He would then miss England's home test series against New Zealand and South Africa and would only only be back for England's tours to India and West Indies next winter. This follows their appearance in the ICC Champions Trophy, currently scheduled to be in Pakistan next September and October.

The Lancashire source is quoted in media reports as saying Filntoff would need to bowl for a long period for Lancashire before risking a return to international action.

Flintoff returned from Florida and expressed a desire to join the England second string - purely as a batsman - on a tour in which he is expected to play in the Duleep Trophy.

He plans to travel with Lancashire for pre-season preparation in Dubai.

England chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "They are very happy with his rehab. There is a possibility, if his rehab goes to plan, of him going on the Lions tour at the end of January.

"He's very keen to get back playing cricket so there is a possibility of him joining up as a batsman only as part of his rehab.

"Everyone has their fingers crossed to get him back bowling and at this stage it is going according to plan."