Flint spark fires Strauss optimism

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The England captain has studied Flintoff's body language in the build-up to the first npower Test in Cardiff and believes the 31-year-old all-rounder is ready to resume his battle with Australia.

He said: "He's been away for a while - all those hours and days of months of rehab you do with one goal in mind, and for him that was to get back and try to play in this Ashes series, so focus isn't going to be a problem for him. I think he's going to roar in and make life difficult and when he does that, that's when he plays at his best."

Man of the series in 2005, Flintoff's preparation for his third Ashes series has been interrupted by a knee injury sustained during his stint in the Indian Premier League, and he has only recently returned to competitive cricket.

He has also been disciplined for missing the team bus during a recent trip to Belgium to visit First World War sites, but Strauss believes Flintoff is ready to make headlines for his cricket during the coming series.

"I think we'd all like to see him back on the park," admitted Strauss. "He has had a difficult 12 months and a number of injuries one after another can eat away at your motivation, and you start wondering, 'Am I ever going to be back to my best'?

"From the way he bowled against Warwickshire, the way he is bowling in the nets, he's very close at the moment. He is obviously hugely motivated to play well and contribute to the team.

"He has been sitting on the sidelines earlier in the season watching us play well against the West Indies and has missed that winning feeling.

"We all know that any good feelings you get from winning a Test match are all amplified by the fact that it is an Ashes Test match and that is going to be plenty of motivation for him."