English cricket boost as Flintoff set to make long-awaited return to Test arena

It is the moment English cricket has waited 18 months to celebrate.

And, no matter how many people urge caution between now and Friday, the roar of approval that greets Andrew Flintoff 's return as a Test cricketer will start at Headingley and echo all around the country.

A lot of water has flown under the bridge - and the pedalo, for that matter - since Flintoff trooped sadly off the outfield at Sydney on 5 January, 2007, having just congratulated Australia's players and apologised to several thousand touring fans for losing the Ashes 5-0. 

He was suspended for a match in St Lucia during last year's World Cup, having been found three sheets to the wind on a pedal boat several hours the wrong side of midnight.

Then, a few months later, his reputation suffered another knock when former coach Duncan Fletcher said the all-rounder was too hung-over to practise on one occasion in Australia.

Considerably more damaging to Flintoff 's career, however, has been the ankle injury that threatened to beat him altogether.

A third operation on that damaged left joint failed to do the trick, leaving a previously ferocious fast bowler to hobble though a few limited-overs internationals without ever looking even a shadow of his former self.

The only option was a fourth and, surely, final bout of surgery last October.

But even when that proved successful and Flintoff appeared ready to play a Test against New Zealand two months ago, a side strain brought more misery.

Taken in isolation, the past 18 months are hardly a basis for optimism. But, at still only 30 and with plenty of miles left in the legs after too many periods of inactivity, there is good reason to feel that 'Super Fred' could be right when he insists the best is still to come.

According to Lancashire, and opposition batsmen who have faced him in domestic cricket this season, Flintoff is bowling at least as well as ever and maybe even better.

And when it comes to the big man's batting, there has always been room for improvement at Test level because five centuries, in 67 games, and an average of 32 do not do him justice.

'He's not a wizard. He's not going to come in and sprinkle magic dust,' warned captain Michael Vaughan.

Maybe not. But who would want to bet against Flintoff doing something special on Friday? Certainly not those fans who believe there is now an extra reason to look forward to the Second Test against South Africa.

Ian Botham used to have the best scriptwriter in the business. Last week at Lord's it looked as though Kevin Pietersen had started to employ him, judging by that century against South Africa.

But maybe it is time he wrote a glorious new tale for Flintoff.