Flintoff glad to be back

Former England captain Andrew Flintoff enjoyed his England return today, despite making only 17 in the second npower Test against South Africa at Headingley Carnegie.

Injuries mean Flintoff has not featured since the final match of the last ill-fated Ashes tour, when an England side captained by the 30-year-old in Vaughan's absence were condemned to a 5-0 series whitewash.

However, he was back today as England were bowled out for 203, before South Africa responded with 101 for three.

Flintoff said: “We’d like to have scored a few more runs but I enjoyed being back in the side.

“It’s a start today - we’ve got the first innings and the first day out of the way and I’ll continue to enjoy it.

Andrew Flintoff gets back into the swing of things as he appeals for the wicket of Hashim Amla

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“Tomorrow morning will be crucial - we would have liked a bit more cloud cover this evening.”

The Lancashire all-rounder continued: “I was a little bit nervous this 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.

“The Western Terrace get behind the England side and it helps when you’re out in the middle.

“South Africa bowled well but I thought we stuck in there well tonight.

“I’ve had some good tussles with Smith (captain Graeme Smith) and it was nice to get him out.”

Twice in one Flintoff over, Hashim Amla thought he was out. Instead, he survived to be unbeaten at stumps - first when he was called back over confusion as to whether the ball carried to Vaughan at mid-off and then when a dubious no-ball call overrode a possible caught-behind dismissal.

Asked for his thoughts on the first incident, Flintoff added: “Michael threw it up thinking he’d taken the catch, it was referred and the decision went against us.

“You can’t blame Amla for walking back - the decision was made and you’ve got to get on with it.”