Flintoff cleared for Twenty20 return

On the way back? 'Fingers crossed I'll be back playing cricket sooner rather than later' © Getty Images

Andrew Flintoff will make a Twenty20 outing for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire on Sunday as he continues to regain fitness in time for second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford later this month.

Flintoff, who was confirmed on Thursday as England's stand-in captain for this winter's Ashes series, has not played since suffering a recurrence of an old ankle injury during England's third-Test defeat against Sri Lanka last month.

He missed England's 5-0 drubbing in the subsequent NatWest Series, but has since bowled in the nets at Old Trafford, under the supervision of the former England physio, Dave Roberts. He was given the go-ahead to play for Lancashire by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Under the ECB guidelines, Flintoff would have to come through a four-day Championship game against Kent, starting on July 18, if he was to be considered for the second Test. Though England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney, was hopeful of a swift return, he was cautious about taking things too quickly.

"Freddie is making optimistic noises about when he might be available," he told reporters at Canterbury during the England A clash against Pakistan, "but there is no point in rushing him back too quickly if it impinges on his overall fitness."

Flintoff still plans to join the squad at Lord's next week for practice sessions, as part of his responsibilities as stand-in captain.