England all-rounder Freddie Flintoff ready to hit the comeback trail

The 30-year-old has made encouraging progress in his recovery from the side strain which scuppered his ambition to make a Test return against New Zealand last month.

Back in business: Flintoff

Although Freddie has not yet started bowling again, he is expected to play solely as a batsman against Durham's second string in a three-day game at Alderley Edge, starting on Tuesday.

While his exploits with the ball at the start of this season were consistently outstanding, he has struggled for runs for some time and suffered the indignity of three successive championship ducks.

Flintoff is desperate for match batting practice and as long as he does not suffer any further setbacks, the provisional plan is that he will take part in another second XI match against Nottinghamshire at Liverpool starting on June 25 before setting his sights on a first-team comeback.

The ultimate goal is to prove his fitness in time for the start of the Test series against South Africa at Lord's on July 10.

The soaring financial potential of domestic Twenty20 was highlighted yesterday when Surrey revealed that their ticket sales this season have passed the £1million mark.

While the county's first match of this year's tournament - against Essex at The Oval - was watched by 17,000, last night's clash with Kent in south London drew a full house of 23,000.

Meanwhile, in the Test arena Flintoff's great friend Brett Lee took charge as Australia were bowled out for 251 against the West Indies in Barbados.

Lee signalled his intent to score quick runs when he struck Dwayne Bravo for a six and a four in the same over.

But wickets fell around him and he was stranded on 23. Lee was not done there, claiming two early wickets in the home side's reply.