Flintoff and Jones given recall hope by selectors

But times, and the team, could soon be changing with not one but two of their 2005 Ashes heroes bursting to get back in the action.

As expected, Andrew Flintoff has been told to carry on playing county cricket while Michael Vaughan's side start their series against South Africa.

Having finally hinted at some form with the bat by making 62 not out for Lancashire against Sussex yesterday, though, he could be in the hunt for Headingley in a fortnight.

And, nearly three years after he last played a match of significance for England, Simon Jones finds himself part of a provisional 30-man squad for September's Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

On the face of it, that is only a small step forward for Jones. But having fought what last summer began to look like a losing battle against injury, the 29-year-old fast bowler who tormented Australia in 2005 should feel like popping a champagne cork today.

Jones took 18 wickets in four Tests during that unforgettable series, playing a huge part in the Trent Bridge victory which put England 2-1 ahead. But an ankle problem kept him out of the crucial draw at The Oval and he has been struggling ever since.

Clear of ankle pain, he went to India with England in early 2006 but broke down with a knee injury before the First Test and, after surgery failed to do the trick, it seemed as though his career would come to a premature end.

But this summer, having quit Glamorgan to join Worcestershire, Jones has not only been bowling quickly again but also swinging the ball - as he did with devastating effect against the Aussies - and has captured 26 championship wickets in seven innings.

If he carries on like that, Jones could be knocking on the Test door before this summer ends, never mind bidding for a place in England's final 15 for the Champions Trophy one-day tournament.

As for Flintoff, chief selector Geoff Miller offered only encouragement today as the all-rounder continues his comeback from a side strain which sidelined him throughout the New Zealand series.

"He has worked extremely hard to be back playing some very good cricket for Lancashire, which is a credit to his determination and patience," said Miller.

"We're all eager to see him back playing for England but there's nothing to be gained from rushing him back until he's proved he's ready to meet the demands of Test cricket."

With England having won four of their last five Tests, albeit not without several scares along the way against New Zealand, the selectors were always like to keep faith with the victorious XI, plus recent 12th man Chris Tremlett.

But batsman Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell will be under pressure against South Africa's pace attack after failing to impress against the Kiwis.

As for the Champions Trophy squad, the most interesting selection apart from Jones is that of Darren Pattinson, a 28-year-old paceman who was born in Grimsby but has spent most of his adult life working as a roof tiler in Australia before joining Notts this season.