Flintoff enjoys himself in the field for England Lions

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff aims to be fully fit for the start of the season in April as he continues his comeback from a fourth ankle operation.

The Lancashire star played his first competitive match since surgery when turning out for England Lions in Mumbai on Tuesday and said he felt great.

"I aim to start the season fully fit, that's the plan and there have not been any hiccups so far," said Flintoff, 30.

He was not bowling but fielded and scored four runs with the bat.

Interview: Andrew Flintoff

He told BBC Sport: "This time I am taking things a little bit more slowly to let things heal. I just need it to be right this time. I've had four operations and I don't particularly want another one."

Flintoff has two more games with the Lions and then hopes to make his bowling return in Dubai with Lancashire when they compete in the Arabian Cricket Challenge Trophy in March.

606: DEBATE Fingers crossed for what must surely be Flintoff's last attempt at remaining free of ankle problems for the rest of his international career DL

The week-long tournament, which also features Yorkshire, Sussex, Essex and Somerset, will provide Lancashire and Flintoff with valuable match practice before the LV County Championship season gets under way on 16 April.

England's first Test of the summer, against New Zealand at Lord's, starts on 15 May.

Flintoff added: "My ankle feels fine and I'm optimistic about it. I'd be lying if there wasn't an element of doubt in the back of my mind but we will only know when I start bowling again."

But he also concedes he needs to make runs with the bat.

"I want to get into some rhythm with the ball and the one thing I desperately want to do is score some runs with the bat - some big runs, which I've not scored for a while now," he stated.