As soon as Freddie is ready he should play for England - Lancs captain Law

But Law fears the all-rounder's recall to the national team could harm Lancashire's revived bid for a first outright County Championship title since 1934.

Back in the groove: Andrew Flintoff hits out on his way to an unbeaten 62 against Sussex

Run maker: Andrew Flintoff raises his bat after scoring a half century

The Australian-born batsman, who set up his side's impressive eight-wicket win over Sussex at Hove yesterday with a sparkling unbeaten 158 in the first innings, said: 'Speaking personally, and being selfish, I won't mind if England leave him out for the entire series. That would mean he plays more matches for Lancashire.

'Freddie is a world-class performer and as soon as he's ready he should play (for England) because they have been missing him greatly even though they've tried to say they haven't.

'He's a great bloke to have in your dressing room and adds so much to a team even without contributing cricket-wise.'

But after Flintoff's unbeaten 62 sealed Lancashire's success yesterday - and seemed to change his luck after bowling 34 increasingly hostile but wicketless overs in his first-class comeback match following his latest injury problem - Law saluted his entire team.

He said: 'We knew it was going to be tough down here because the wicket at Hove never helps our pace bowlers a hell of a lot but we showed amazing discipline and, at times, controlled aggression.

'We played how we've wanted to play all season and apart from the first afternoon, when we gave away a few cheap wickets, we probably played a perfect game of cricket.'

Law, who turns 40 in October, batted throughout the second day to rescue Lancashire - with his first ton since taking over the captaincy this season - after they had made a stuttering start in reply to Sussex's 245.

He eventually found enough reliable partners to post a total of 392, just missing the extra bonus point.

And Sussex, despite veteran Murray Goodwin's stoic 80, could manage only 245 when they batted again, Glen Chapple grabbing six wickets.

Although three hours were lost to rain after lunch and Lancashire lost two quick wickets, Flintoff, who got himself out for six in the first innings, teamed up with opener Paul Horton (38 not out) to see them through after Law handed him his number four batting slot.

Victory, only their second of the season, was worth 21 points and although Notts have a healthy lead at the top, second-placed Lancashire are back in the chase midway through the campaign.

As for Sussex, it has proved a tough year after two successive titles and only five points from this encounter - their second successive home loss after nearly four years unbeaten at Hove - leaves them dangerously close to the relegation places.

And there are also more concerns about Pakistan spin ace Mushtaq Ahmed who, making his comeback after knee trouble, limped through most of the match and was not fit enough to bowl on the final day.