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Andrew Flintoff is convinced the dark days of his career have helped him develop into an improved cricketer who is better equipped than ever to aid England's development as a Test and one-day side.

The 30-year-old Lancashire all-rounder has enjoyed an impressive return to the international ranks after over a year on the sidelines recovering from a fourth ankle operation and a side strain.

"I think I'm a better cricketer for those dark times and a better person," Flintoff told PA Sport. "When you experience tough times, the better times are that much sweeter."

He added: "I was sitting on the balcony at Lord's the other day after we'd won and one of the lads asked if I'd enjoyed it.

"I'd been through a whole host of things just to be sitting there with a man-of-the-match award and playing for a side that's 4-0 up in a series against South Africa, so I just couldn't stop smiling.

"It's a complete reversal from six months ago and I suppose that all goes back to enjoyment and I'm absolutely loving it at the moment."

During his long periods away from the game, Flintoff vowed to himself that he would enjoy every new day he was given as a cricketer, having gone through four ankle operations and four rehabilitation periods to get to this point.

He revealed: "One of the things I was determined to do when I came back into international cricket was that I wanted to enjoy it.

"I knew there was going to be pressure on me but cricket's not life or death, it's a game and it's to be enjoyed. Possibly for a period I lost that enjoyment.

"I'm in a privileged position because I'm playing cricket for England but I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts and it always helps when you're doing well, but I'm in a very good place at the moment."

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