Flintoff will be out of action until mid-October

The 28-year-old had the operation on Wednesday in an attempt to cure him of the discomfort he has been feeling while bowling.

Following the procedure, the original prognosis remains in that Flintoff's rehabilitation will take 12 weeks.

Lancashire physiotherapist Dave Roberts has been put in charge of his day-to-day rehabilitation.

Flintoff missed the one-day series against Sri Lanka to rest his ankle and try to strengthen it without the need for surgery.

But he broke down during a comeback match, playing for his county Lancashire against Kent, and will now be out of action until mid-October.

Chief selector David Graveney defended England's decision not to send Andrew Flintoff for surgery sooner.

"He was seen by two consultants who are the best in the field and they went down the route of deciding against an operation," Graveney told Five Live.

"Virtually every hurdle had been crossed and it was only when he played at Kent he began to feel the symptoms."