Flintoff is three weeks into a 12-week recovery plan

The England all-rounder had surgery at the end of July and said his rehabilitation is going according to a 12-week recovery plan.

The first Test is in Brisbane on 23 November and Flintoff said he should be playing again by mid-October.

He told the BBC: "The first Test isn't until the back end of November, so I'm confident I'll be fine."

TMS VIEW If he is fit for the Ashes it will be a boost but I think the team can do it without him BW TMS: Have your say

Flintoff was the outstanding performer in last summer's Ashes, which saw England regain the urn for the first time in 18 years.

At the end of last year he was promoted to England captain in Michael Vaughan's absence but an ankle problem ruled him out of this summer's Pakistan series.

Andrew Strauss has since led England to a series win against Pakistan and a selectors' dilemma is looming over who should captain England during the Ashes.