London, Apr 13 : England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has insisted that his lucrative involvement in the Indian Premier League can do him a power of good - on and off the field.

Flintoff, signed for 1.5 million dollars by the IPL's Chennai Super Kings franchise, has been dogged by injuries.

The England all-rounder believes the competition that gets underway in South Africa will boost his fitness for this summer's Ashes. He also admits that the cash point will put a smile on his face as his bank balance rockets.

"I have missed so much cricket through injury that I don't want to miss any more. I've not played a lot of Twenty20 cricket and I'd like to play more. I'm not saying the money is not very appealing - but there's a lot more to it," The Sun quoted Flintoff, as saying.

"I spent several weeks working hard at my fitness when I came back from the West Indies and, hopefully, that will stand me in good stead come the summer. When I get back from the IPL I can assure you I'll be looking forward to playing with England again. The Ashes means everything to me," he added.

Flintoff has also been tipped to captain England in the Twenty20 World Cup. He said: "I have not thought about it a great deal but it would be something I'd have to think about and see if I could be the best man for the job. I don't think many people would turn it down."

The other leading contender to become captain of the Twenty20 side is Robert Key, who has missed little cricket for Kent. (ANI)