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Flintoff "desperate" for England return

17/07/2008

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff has admitted he is "desperate" to return to the England team for the second Test against South Africa.

Following the disappointing draw with the Proteas at Lord's last week, Michael Vaughan's men have travelled up to Headingley for the second match of the four-Test series.

And Flintoff looks likely to be recalled to the team as the hosts bid to find the cutting edge lacking from their bowling attack when they were able to take only three wickets over the final two days' play.

"I'm desperate to make that final XI, desperate to get back out on that pitch," the Lancastrian told the BBC.

"But the lads have been unchanged for a while now.

"I've come in to the squad and I'm sure there are some tough decisions to be made by the management and selectors.

"I've got my fingers crossed hoping and praying I'll be there on Friday."

Flintoff has not played a Test match for England since the last Ashes series in January 2007 because of an operation on his ankle and an injury to his side.

But he said he is glad to have put the injury problems behind him and is now working towards his next aim.

"I've had a lot to deal with but I've put in a lot of hard work and I'm just pleased to be here with a chance of playing," he added.

"It's like a new start, having not played for so long."