Flintoff fires blast to the tourists as he hits form

Flintoff and the other 15 members of England's Ashes preliminary squad will convene today for a three-day bonding session before they begin preparations for next week's three-day warm-up match against Warwickshire.

And after years of frustration with the bat, Flintoff could not have chosen a better moment to mark his return to the international game.

As well as playing his stunning innings, containing nine fours and six sixes, Flintoff also took two for 30.

England captain Andrew Strauss knows just how important Flintoff can be against Australia, as the pair were team-mates when the Lancastrian's stunning displays with bat and ball helped England regain the Ashes four years ago.

"He seems fit and is bowling at a good pace," said Strauss. "It's early in his comeback but we've got to assume he'll be fit for the five Test matches.

"It's a massive plus if he is. He adds balance to our side and we know the Aussies don't like facing him.

"We're all hopeful that after a long period of bad luck he has the rub of the green for a while and produces a really good Ashes series. It will be fantastic to have him back again."

Despite Flintoff's return to form with the bat, Strauss was cautious about the 31-year-old's chances of regaining his place in the top six.

Wicket-keeper Matt Prior impressed at No6 against West Indies, and Strauss said: "We'll have to discuss whether Fred bats at six.

"Matt Prior did really well. The batting order is not a massive difference either way whether he bats six or seven.

"It's fantastic that Prior is averaging 47-48. He and Fred at six and seven is a nice middle order to have."

Meanwhile, Australian fast bowlers Brett Lee and Stuart Clark staked their claim for a starting place in the First Test by taking three wickets apiece yesterday on day two of the tourists' match at Sussex.