Flintoff recalled for second Test at Headingley

A decent performance by England's Andrew Flintoff in Lancashire’s victory against Hampshire in the LV County Championship has earned him a recall for the second Test against South Africa at Headingley in Leeds starting from July 18.

Flintoff batted commendably in the county match as he scored 39 not out off 23 balls which included three fours and three sixes for Lancashire. The return of ‘Freddie’ will be a morale booster for the England side after the first Test was drawn. However, captain Michael Vaughan has played down Flintoff’s return after 18 months of recovery in order to ease him off pressure.

“I think we're building him up too much. It's a bit unfair on him. He's had 18 months out. He has come back for Lancashire and done reasonably well, but he's not a wizard, he's not going to come and sprinkle dust," Vaughan was quoted as saying.

"I don't want to put him under any more pressure than the media has already. He just needs to be able to bowl like he can, hopefully whack it like he does, and try to get his performance level to where it was before. But 18 months is a long time out. It might take him a little time to adjust,” he added.

The all-rounder has been out of action for more than a year now due to a prolonged ankle injury. Just when he was set to make a comeback earlier this year a side strain again kept him on the sidelines. The last Test appearance that Flintoff made was in January 2007. It is speculated that Flintoff may replace Paul Collingwood though it is not very certain yet as of now. The recall was expected as England ended up tying the first Test despite dominating for the first three days. He was included in the 12-man squad replacing Hampshire’s Chris Tremlett.