Andrew Flintoff reckoned the best years of his career could still be ahead of him as he prepared for his England return during the upcoming one-day series against India.
Injury problems have beset the all-rounder since he played a leading role in England's 2005 Ashes success but, following a fresh bout of surgery on his troublesome left ankle in May, he is due to face India in Southampton on Tuesday in the first of seven one-day internationals.
Flintoff told Saturday's edition of Britain's Sun newspaper: "I believe the injury could actually help extend my career because I feel mentally very fresh. I won't be playing when I'm 50 but I'm only 29 and there's a lot left in me. I hope my best years are ahead of me."
For all his Ashes triumphs in England, it was a different story for Flintoff come the return series in Australia during the 2006-07 season. The Lancashire star, leading England in the absence of injured captain Michael Vaughan, saw Australia win back the Ashes 5-0.
Then at the World Cup, which followed England's tour of Australia, he was stripped of the vice-captaincy after a drinking session ended with him going out on a pedalo in the early hours of the morning in St Lucia.