No tall order for fighter Flintoff

England captain Michael Vaughan has no doubt Flintoff is capable of causing plenty of damage with the bat when he resumes his international career here today, despite slipping out of the top six. And if the man of the moment needs any further encouragement of what is possible from the lower middle-order, then the performances of Adam Gilchrist and Jacob Oram should help.

"We feel No7 is a perfect position for 'Freddie' and his style of batting," said Vaughan ahead of the npower Second Test against South Africa. "It is ideal for the way he can attack and take the game away from the opposition.

"At this stage, batting him at No6 would be quite high up. And the style which you are asked to bat at No6 is slightly different. We want to relieve him of that pressure and be able to express himself."

Australian wicketkeeper Gilchrist scored 17 Test centuries from that spot while New Zealand all-rounder Oram made a match-saving 101 at Lord's a couple of months ago.

Although Flintoff has always regarded himself as a batting all-rounder, his bowling has generally been of greater use to England. And his performances for Lancashire this season suggest that may continue to be the case.

South Africa, though, insist they will not underestimate Flintoff whether he has bat or ball in his hand. "We expected England to bring him back [from the start of the series]," said skipper Graeme Smith. "They took the slightly more cautious route but he's back now.

"Michael Vaughan sees him as a frontline bowler but in terms of batting he's added value, especially if you look at his performances during the 2005 Ashes series. He played some key knocks so he's a guy you have to respect on both fronts. He's dangerous with bat and ball.

"I have a lot of respect for Fred in terms of what he has achieved, and the type of man he is, and I'm sure he's going to be a big influence."

Having fielded the same team for six consecutive Tests, England were committed to making one change from the moment Flintoff returned to their fold for the first time in 18 months. But they arrived here contemplating two enforced switches because of back injuries to Ryan Sidebottom and Jimmy Anderson.

Chris Tremlett was first to be summoned to Leeds, then Darren Pattinson received a surprise call-up.

Pattinson's rise has been startling. Two years ago, he was playing club cricket in Australia and earning his living as a roof tiler. Then, at the age of 28, Victoria gave the pacey swing bowler a first-class debut and, a few months later, he was recommended to Notts by their former Aussie batsman David Hussey.

Because Pattinson was born in Grimsby, and has a British passport, he joined them as an England qualified player. Now, having taken 29 championship wickets in six matches for Notts, the newcomer has moved ahead of 2005 Ashes heroes Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones and Steve Harmison in the pace pecking order.

"Notts coach Mick Newell knew he was taking a bit of a risk when he signed me because I was relatively unknown, but I'm really pleased that I've been able to repay him by taking wickets, " said Pattinson.

"I felt that I was bowling better than I ever had throughout my last six months in Australia and the conditions in England have helped me to develop further.

"It's been an incredible couple of months and the chance to play Test cricket for England would be the ultimate honour."

Pattinson and Tremlett probably have South Africa's batsmen to thank for yesterday's calls. Being made to bowl for three consecutive days at Lord's earlier this week made injuries all the more likely for Vaughan's pace attack.

As for South Africa's pacemen, they are determined to make amends for failing to live up to expectations during the First Test. "We were poor, the bowlers know that, and I think they are looking forward to turning a few things around in this match," said Smith.