Andrew Flintoff has been recalled to the England squad for the second Test against South Africa, which starts at Headingley on Friday.

The all-rounder has not played a Test since the final Ashes match in Sydney in January 2007 because of injury.

The 30-year-old underwent ankle surgery in October 2007 and might have returned sooner but for a recent side strain.

Flintoff scored the winning runs for Lancashire against Hampshire on Monday before his inclusion was announced.

His progress was interrupted by a side strain but he says he is fully-fit as his batting, which has so far been unconvincing, also improves with more matches.

"It's nice to get through your first few balls and then start hitting a few in the middle of the bat," he said after his 39 not out eased his side to victory over Hampshire.

"I'm a confident batsman. I've been seeing the ball well all season but my body and hands aren't going in the right places.

"But it seems to be getting there and I'm a lot happier about my batting now than I was six weeks ago.

"The bowling is fine. I put it in my hand, run up and let go. I've got a pretty good idea of where I am putting it.

"I think there is a bit more craft to my bowling now compared to a few years ago.

"We played at Sussex on a placid pitch and I was able to swing the ball and I've always got a bit of pace to rely on if that's not happening.

"I feel I'm improving and touch wood the body is going to stay fit. I'm not getting anything but the stiffness everybody else gets."