England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff assured fans that he would be fit for the Ashes series against Australia.

Flintoff is recovering faster than expected from a knee operation.

Filntoff said the rigorous bowling sessions over the last few days did not discomfort him and he could join the Lancashire squad any time soon.

"I've been bowling pretty much up to full steam and so far, so good," Flintoff said.

"I am bang up to where I want to be at this stage and I have had no ill reaction. Not being fit for the Ashes is not an option," the strapping all-rounder was quoted as saying by 'The Times'.

Flintoff had a surgery on his right right knee six weeks ago and England and Wales Cricket Board head of sports medicine Simon Timson assessed Flintoff and was 'pleased' with the progress, the daily said.

"Come Cardiff (venue of first Ashes Test), I'll be available. For an English cricketer, the Ashes is the biggest thing," Flintoff said.

He also oozed confidence that England has the wherewithals to win Ashes.

"Of course we can. It's going to be hard. The Australia team has changed a little bit as has England's. We'll be slight underdogs but we have the players who can pull it off," Flintoff said.