Flintoff set for Lancs comeback

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE
Venue: The Oval Dates: 16-19 April Start time: 1100 BST each day

Lancashire have named England star Andrew Flintoff in a 12-man squad for their opening Championship game.

The all-rounder, 30, who had his fourth ankle operation last October, returned to action in pre-season but missed out on the MCC's game against Sussex.

He is set to face Surrey in a four-day game at the Oval starting on Wednesday.

Flintoff is aiming to play in the first Test against New Zealand on 15 May but England coach Peter Moores says he will not rush him back into the fold.

The hero of the 2005 Ashes success has not played in any of England's past 13 Tests because of injury, and only four of their last 18 one-day internationals.

But he resumed his bowling duties during Lancashire's pre-season tour of the United Arab Emirates.

Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson said: "He is looking fit and strong and we are really keen on him playing a full part in our opening fixture of the season.

"It has been a great pleasure to have him around for an entire pre-season and that is something he has enjoyed."

Flintoff said at Lancashire's pre-seaon press day: "I'm aiming to start the season bowling at full pelt."

Wife Rachael gave birth to the couple's third child, a boy called Rocky, on 7 April.

Surrey: tbc

Lancashire (from): Paul Horton, Iain Sutcliffe, Mal Loye, Brad Hodge, Stuart Law (capt), Andrew Flintoff, Luke Sutton (wkt), Steven Croft, Glen Chapple, Sajid Mahmood, Oliver Newby, Gary Keedy.