Lancashire are determined not to rush Flintoff's comeback

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff continued his comeback from a side strain with a quickfire half-century for Lancashire's second XI on Thursday.

Coming in at four, he struck 32 runs in 40 minutes before lunch with six fours against Durham at Alderley Edge.

He reached 50 by belting a six out of the ground and then nearly broke a pavilion window with another four.

Flintoff, eventually out for 56, could now play for the first team in a Twenty 20 game against Yorkshire on Friday.

"We are absolutely delighted to see Andrew back in action...the first team will know in the morning how he has held up and whether he joins them," said second XI coach Gary Yates.

The 30-year-old suffered his latest injury ahead of England's first Test against New Zealand, ruling him out of the entire series.

But he hopes to be fit for the upcoming Test series against South Africa which starts at Lord's on 10 July. .

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Flintoff's injury troubles

He has now set his sights on playing a part in the series against South Africa, which begins next month but he will first have to satisfy the selectors that he is able to bat and bowl.

His comeback at county level will not be rushed, however, with particular care being taken to avoid a recurrence of the side problem.

"Lancashire have put a plan together with the ECB and part of the plan was he was not going to bowl this week," said Yates.

Despite that, Yaes was impressed with Flintoff's batting display.

"Andrew had a decent touch for someone who has not batted for so long. The only mistake he has made he has paid for it.

"But he has got 50 under his belt and his time at the crease will be important for him. I was hoping he would bat a bit longer but it was a patient innings by Andrew," he added.

It is more than a year since Flintoff played the last of his 67 Tests, against Australia in Sydney.

For most of that time he has been sidelined because of an injured left ankle which has now been operated on four times, but the latest injury is unrelated.