Flintoff confirmed in England XI

Andrew Flintoff and Co were forced to practice indoors this morning

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Andrew Flintoff will play for England in the second npower Test at Headingley Carnegie tomorrow - and he will bat at number seven.

England captain Michael Vaughan gave those assurances today but was unable to announce his team, because of worries over seam bowler Ryan Sidebottom’s fitness after a back injury.

Hampshire’s Chris Tremlett is to be called in as cover for Sidebottom, and a final decision on the make-up of the team to face South Africa will be made on the morning of the match.

Nottinghamshire seamer Darren Pattinson has also been added to the squad after James Anderson experienced back stiffness following practice today.

“I will say that ‘Freddie’ Flintoff will play,” Vaughan said. “He will bat at number seven, and then the decision will be made whether we go for four bowlers or five.

“Whichever decision we make, Freddie will definitely bat at seven.”

As for Sidebottom’s fitness, it seems another close call will have to be made.

“We are waiting on Ryan Sidebottom’s injury - and we are not going to know until the morning,” Vaughan added. “Chris Tremlett will come in as cover.”

Vaughan told Sky Sports News: “I know 18 months is a long time but who’s to say that Freddie won’t come out and get a five-for and a hundred because that’s his style.

“He’s like KP (Kevin Pietersen) - one of these superstars who can do very special things.”

The 30-year-old Lancastrian has shown glimpses of fine form with the bat for his county since his return from injury, most recently with an unbeaten 39 to help Lancashire defeat Hampshire on Monday.

Vaughan is also looking forward to seeing the all-rounder in action with the ball after England failed to knock over South Africa at Lord’s despite asking the Proteas to follow-on.

“His bowling is exceptional. I’ve always said that. He’s always bowled well for England. He should be a handful for the South Africa batsmen,” said Vaughan.