Second XI comeback for Flintoff

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff returns to action for Lancashire second XI at Alderley Edge on Tuesday.

Flintoff, 30, has not played a competitive match since suffering a side strain against Durham on 9 May.

He will play against the Durham seconds primarily as a batsman and it is unclear whether he will bowl.

Having missed the Test and one-day series against New Zealand, Flintoff's next England target is the first Test against South Africa on 10 July.

With participation in Lancashire's Twenty20 group matches unlikely, Flintoff's last chance of playing in a first-class fixture before the Lord's Test will be the Championship match at Sussex on 29 June.

Lancashire boss Mike Watkinson gave an insight into Flintoff's recovery regime.

He said: "You see him on the exercise bike and the treadmill, where he seems to have been a permanent feature.

"He's worked very hard at that and is very committed.

"He's started his batting programme, which goes alongside his bowling, so he can get back in top form as soon as possible."