FREDDIE BACK FOR CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER
Andrew Flintoff is set to make his competitive cricket comeback this week in Lancashire's LV County Championship opener.
The all-rounder has been dogged by ankle problems since England's 2005 Ashes series, undergoing his fourth operation last October.
Flintoff did appear in Lancashire's pre-season tour of the UAE, featuring in wins against the UAE, Essex Eagles and Sussex Sharks as well as a loss to Yorkshire Carnegie although he did miss out on the MCC's game against Sussex earlier this week.
But Lancashire have named the 30-year-old in their 12-man squad for the season opener at the Oval and he looks set to start for the county championship favourites.
It was a thrilling end to the season last year and this LV County Championship is set to be just as exciting. Sporting Index has all the odds so place your cricket spread bet today.
Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson said: "He is looking fit and strong and we are really keen on him playing a full part in our opening fixture of the season.
"It has been a great pleasure to have him around for an entire pre-season and that is something he has enjoyed."
Flintoff said at Lancashire's pre-season press day: "I'm aiming to start the season bowling at full pelt."
After a thrilling finale to the 2006-2007 season, Lancashire have been installed as joint favourites on the cricket spread betting markets for the 2008-2009 season along with Durham and Sussex, who are themselves looking for their fourth championship in just six years.
Dark horses Yorkshire have been relatively quiet in the transfer market compared to last season's shopping spree but nevertheless, have managed to draft in Chris Taylor and Gary Balance from Derbyshire and Rana Naved-ul-Hassan has had his registration confirmed despite signing with the rebel Indian Cricket League.
At the other end, Nottinghamshire, Hampshire and Kent are all expected to be fighting to avoid the drop to Division Two but a look at the spreads will show little to choose between each of the nine sides in Division One.
Related links:
