Not bad Freddie, but we bet you can't do it like KP

The 30-year-old all-rounder was batting for the first time since suffering a side strain on May 9 and while he may have lacked the pyrotechnics of Kevin Pietersen, there were encouraging signs that his hard work in the nets may soon pay off.

Back in the groove: Lancashire's Andrew Flintoff hits out during the Second XI's match at Alderley Edge.

When he reached his 50 against Durham by launching the ball over the pavilion at Alderley Edge Cricket Club for a towering six, it was like a snapshot from the Flintoff scrapbook. 'I batted nicely, I can't complain,' he said afterwards before dashing off for more training.

Although he did not bowl in the three-day match, Flintoff will join his Lancashire first-team colleagues in the hope of forcing his way into the side against Yorkshire. If not, he could be in contention for the Trent Bridge clash with Nottinghamshire on Sunday.

Stuart Law, the Lancashire captain, admitted yesterday that it will be tempting to recall Flintoff at the first opportunity, saying: 'He seems almost ready to go. He's coming down to train and to line up with us as if he is playing.

Power play: Lancashire's Andrew Flintoff hits out

'Twenty20 would be a great way to come in because he only bowls four overs and if you bat you wouldn't be batting for more than 10-15 overs. I'm gauged by him, though. He'll tell me when he's good to go. I'm not going to be stupid with it. If we see fit to put him in straight away we will do that.'

Lancashire are acutely aware that England have a vested interest in Flintoff's return being managed with care. The first Test against South Africa at Lord's - starting on July 10 - is the target for the national team's talisman, so he cannot afford to break down again.

But as Law acknowledged, it is a case of trying to restrain Flintoff's natural enthusiasm. 'One thing we don't want to do is get him back too early,' said the Australian.

'Fred is desperate to play but unfortunately he doesn't know how to play at 70 per cent. He will only ever give 100 per cent.'

Flintoff's innings may have been an exercise in blowing away the cobwebs against inexperienced bowlers, but nonetheless he looked the part, hitting 10 fours in his 56 from 73 balls.

For a man who suffered the indignity of three successive Championship ducks earlier this season, any runs will do.

Along with his trademark power, there was improved timing. One back-foot four through midwicket involved minimal effort, yet the ball hurtled away. In the end he was caught at mid-on, trying to pull a delivery from Karl Turner - ironically also known as 'Freddie'.