South Africa coach Arthur wary of Flintoff with a ball, but not bat

After the tourists practised at Yorkshire's chilly home ground yesterday morning, coach Mickey Arthur admitted that the prospect of facing Flintoff in the second npower Test starting tomorrow had focused the minds of his batsmen.

But despite the fanfare of optimism surrounding the 30-year-old Lancastrian's first five-day appearance for 18 months, the South Africans evidently believe his threat with the ball is not matched with the bat.

'It is probably Flintoff the bowler that worries us a little bit more,' said Arthur.

Back in harness: Flintoff in the nets

'He has been very successful coming around the wicket, especially against left-handers, so we have done a bit of work with bowlers coming round the wicket here this morning.

'I'm not sure who is going to be the unlucky one to lose out for England but if it is Paul Collingwood, Flintoff (batting) at six is going to put a lot of pressure on their top order.

'And I think he will be under pressure coming into this match with all the hype around him.

'If we are going to conquer England, we want to do it against their best side and their best side is definitely with Fred in it.'

Flintoff, who showed his batting power when a soaring shot from the nets crashed on to a roof, damaging the tiles, said he was 'pleased, ecstatic even' to be back in the Test squad, but was at pains to point out that he will need time to re-establish himself.

Smash hit: The damaged roof

He said: 'I'm looking forward to playing with a few lads I've never played with before. I want to make a difference and be part of it all. It does feel like a new beginning because it has been so long. I have to try to fit into this side. For me, this is a fresh start.'

South Africa will wait until tomorrow to decide whether to play opener Neil McKenzie, who has a groin strain, with JP Duminy on standby.

But Arthur is optimistic the centurion from Lord's will be fit.