You are in > manchester.com  > News > Flintoff pleased to be back on international stage

Cricket

Flintoff pleased to be back on international stage

19/07/2008

Andrew Flintoff said he was pleased to be back playing for England again despite a poor day for the home side at Headingley yesterday.

None of the England batsmen made it past 50 as South Africa took control of the first day of the second Test by dismissing Peter Moores' side for 203.

Flintoff contributed 17 in 28 balls but insisted he had enjoyed his brief time out in the middle.

He said: "We'd like to have scored a few more runs but I enjoyed being back in the side."

The Lancashire all-rounder said the fans support helped get him through the start of the innings and he was disappointed not to have scored more runs for them.

He said: "I was a little bit nervous [yesterday] morning.

"I've waited a long time because of the lay-off, but having got through the first ball I got a bit of a cheer from the Western terrace and was disappointed to get out."

Flintoff, who batted at seven, has largely been recalled due to his good form with the ball – combined with England's lack of potency in the second innings at Lord's last week.

Having been put on the back foot in the first innings Flintoff was happy to have claimed the prize wicket of Proteas captain Graeme Smith before the close of play.

"I've had some good tussles with Smith and it was nice to get him out," added Flintoff.

The Lancastrian is hoping for cloudy conditions at Headingley on day two of the Test to help England's bowlers try to restrict the Proteas' first innings score.