CRICKET: Andrew Flintoff faces another examination of his troublesome left ankle by a specialist today, which could see him ruled out for the remainder of the summer.

England's key all-rounder was supposed to rubber-stamp his return in next week's second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford by coming through Lancashire's championship match against Kent at Canterbury.

But Flintoff suffered a recurrence of discomfort in the ankle, which forced him to miss the one-day series against Sri Lanka and the opening Test at Lord's against Pakistan, and faces another specialist's examination.

Should the specialist decide that four weeks of rest and rehabilitation has not been successful, the only other option would be surgery, which would rule him out for the summer.

England will make a decision about Flintoff's availability following the examination, prior to the announcement of the squad tomorrow morning.

But the prospects of Flintoff, who was due to captain England, withstanding the rigours of a Test match look bleak.