Flintoff gets the nod for Test return
Andrew Flintoff is expected to make his England return at Headingley on Friday after being given the all-clear by medics.
The all-rounder has not played a Test since the final Ashes match in Sydney in January 2007 after suffering an occurrence to his ankle injury.
But the 30-year-old has performed well with both bat and ball for Lancashire in recent weeks and was yesterday included in the squad for the second Test against South Africa.
Flintoff replaces Hampshire’s Chris Tremlett in the squad, leaving coach Peter Moores and his selectors a headache in choosing an eleven. Outof-form Paul Collingwood may be rested, although medics are also concerned about the fitness of seamer Ryan Sidebottom, who has a stiff back.
But if Sidebottom stays fit and England opt for an extra batsman on a flat Headingley track, young strike bowler Stuart Broad could be the unfortunate one to stand down.
Captain Michael Vaughan explained: “When we get to Leeds and I assess the wicket with team coach Peter Moores then we’ll be able to give a whereabouts of what the 11 will be. There are plenty of options now with Freddie coming back in and will potentially create five bowlers or we could play him in a four-man attack. That’s the big question that we will be asked all week.”
Flintoff has satisfied England selectors with his bowling form for Lancashire, but also impressed with the bat with a crucial 39no to secure victory in the County Championship against Hampshire on Monday.