Flintoff returns to boost England

Andrew Flintoff is fighting fit.

Match facts

Friday July 18 - Tuesday July 22, 2008
Start time 11.00am (10.00GMT)

Big Picture

One weary set of England players and one rejuvenated set of South Africans have made their way north after five days of hard toil at Lord's. Even though a featherbed surface aided the visitors' escape, it was a magnificent effort to lose just three wickets in 167 overs of their second innings. Michael Vaughan was aware of the dangers of back-to-back Tests when he enforced the follow-on and, with a couple of his attack showing the strain by the end at Lord's, their endurance and stamina will be tested to the full - especially if they have to field first. With that in mind it is a major boost to have a fresh pair of legs in the squad, and they aren't just anyone's legs. Eighteen months after his last Test appearance for England, Andrew Flintoff will make his comeback. His previous outing in any international was last September during the ICC World Twenty20. Throw in the side strain that aborted his return against New Zealand and the wait has seemed interminable. But a couple of Championship matches for Lancashire has been enough to convince the selectors that now is the time. South Africa, as expected, are refusing to get drawn into the hype, focussing instead on improving on a performance during the first three days at Lord's that left them in series danger of defeat. The bowlers will have learnt from their pummelling. Will the real Dale Steyn and co. please stand up.

Form guide

England WDWWD
South Africa WDWLD

One to watch

Andrew Flintoff: Rarely has one player's return been so anticipated. Flintoff is back, but not quite in the position he left after Michael Vaughan confirmed he will bat at No. 7. Before his side strain Flintoff was batting in binary, and although the form has gradually returned it will be a case of crossing fingers when he walks even if the demotion does release some pressure. Bowling wise, he's been impressive, consistently putting in quick spells and the only test remaining is that of sustained international cricket. It will be impossible for him to live up to expectations, but just seeing him stood at second slip will be a huge boost for Vaughan.

Dale Steyn: It was tempting to think what's all the fuss about after watching Steyn at Lord's. But that would be very dangerous. The South African camp has admitted the quicks got wrapped up in all the pre-match talk and, really, the only way from there was down. Steyn, though, hasn't risen up the rankings without good reason. His vicious yorker to Vaughan gave a tantalising glimpse of his best. Many overseas bowlers need a match to find their feet. Steyn has had his, now batten down the hatches.

Team news

The most significant development is Flintoff at No. 7 because, in all likelihood, it means Tim Ambrose will play at No. 6. It is asking a huge amount of Ambrose who, despite two key innings in his short Test career, has yet to convince. However, all is not so simple. Vaughan didn't confirm that Paul Collingwood was dropped, so a possible scenario is Ambrose at No. 8 followed by three bowlers. Yet, there are more spanners in the works. Ryan Sidebottom is struggling with his back as is James Anderson. Chris Tremlett and Darren Pattinson have been called up, but Vaughan is desperate to have Sidebottom. After months of consistency, this team decision will go down to the wire.

England (probable) 1 Andrew Strauss, 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Michael Vaughan (capt), Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Tim Ambrose (wk), 7 Andrew Flintoff, 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Ryan Sidebottom, 10 James Anderson, 11 Monty Panesar

South Africa have concerns over Neil McKenzie, who needed a runner during the latter stages of his marathon Lord's century after tweaking his groin. He will have a fitness test in the morning and JP Duminy is on stand-by. The other issue is the make-up of their attack. Makhaya Ntini was well short of his best in the first Test - and the feeling persists he is on a steady decline - while Paul Harris' role will also come under scrutiny. The temptation will be to field a full hand of quicks, which would bring Andre Nel into the set-up.

South Africa (probable) 1 Graeme Smith, 2 Neil McKenzie/JP Duminy, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Jacques Kallis, 5 Ashwell Prince, 6 AB de Villiers, 7 Mark Boucher (wk), 8 Morne Morkel, 9 Paul Harris, 10 Makhaya Ntini, 11 Dale Steyn

Pitch & conditions

The pitch was under cover throughout Thursday as steady rain hung around Leeds. It will have sweated, so both captains could well think hard about bowling first. The forecast is for a good deal of cloud on the first couple of days and Headingley is a venue where it's just as important to look up as it is down. If the sun comes out runs can flow, but overcast skies can make it a bowlers' field day.

Stats & Trivia

• South Africa have played 11 Tests at Headingley, winning just two including their last visit in 2003 which ended in a 191-run victory.
• Three Englishmen survive from the 2003 match - Vaughan, Flintoff and Anderson (if fit) - compared to a possible five South Africans - Smith, Kallis, McKenzie, Boucher and Ntini.
• Flintoff's first two Tests on the ground brought pairs (against South Africa in 1998 and India in 2002). But since then he has managed three consecutive half-centuries, including twin efforts against South Africa in 2003.
• Headingley has the reputation of being a bowlers' ground, but since 2000 the average first-innings score has been 440.

Quotes

"I feel good about my game, about myself and my fitness. The side strain is long gone and the ankle operation is that long ago that that is forgotten too. I am just ready to go."
Andrew Flintoff doesn't have any injury worries on his mind

"He's a quality, quality player. If we're going to conquer England and win here we want to do it against their best side - and their best side certainly has Fred in it."
Mickey Arthur does his best not to add to the hype