Discussing tactics with skipper Nasser Hussain

"He's put in 110%. He must be disappointed he hasn't got any runs, but I don't think he could have done any better with his bowling.

"I don't really know much about his time in Australia but I know there was a lot of training and one-to-one coaching. Whatever they did out there certainly made a difference."

Most observers were somewhat surprised when England sent for Flintoff.

Craig White decided that, at 32, he was beyond being able to bowl flat out with the new ball in hot conditions, and the call went straight to a familiar character, who had thus far proved an enigma in a stop-start England career.

Chalk and cheese

On arrival in India, he told of how the palatial hotels in India differed somewhat from the spartan conditions he had known when sharing a simple room with Durham's Steve Harmison in Adelaide.

But he soon knuckled down to duty in the nets, and the hard work has paid off.

"I couldn't imagine the success he's had with his bowling in India. I never thought he would even play in India, let alone open the bowling," said his mum.

"I only hope he can keep his place - he would be disappointed if he doesn't."

His batting has looked fragile against spin, however. Scores of 18, 4, 0, 4 and 0 attest to problems working out how to balance natural aggression with due care and attention.

Kumble is out - that's number four

"He has tried tried to get runs out there, he's the only one who hasn't contributed with the bat really," admitted Susan.

But the bowling has been a godsend.

"In the past he's had a good patch and then he breaks down. But he has worked really, really hard with getting fit and changing his action.

"His front foot is landing straight now. They worked on it at Old Trafford and in Australia.

"He thought he was going to pack up bowling - he went in for scans and tests at the start of last season and at one point they thought of operating.

"But touch wood he's through it now. He's lost loads of weight as well. And it gets you cross when people say he doesn't look fit.

"You look half a stone heavier on the TV anyway."

Flintoff called his mother half way through the first Test as he celebrated his 24th birthday with Warren Hegg, Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard.

Incomplete

Susan said he sounded happy with life then, but as far as she's concerned, his tour is not yet complete.

"I hope when I get up on Sunday that he's batting and can get a few more runs," she admitted.

He will be home for Christmas Day to join his parents and brother Christopher, 27, who has flown in from his teaching job in Tokyo.

And what presents will 'Freddie' be opening on Christmas morning?

"Some CDs, a big picture of boxer dogs because he's got two - Freddie and Henry - oh, and a tracksuit top with the word FRED in big letters on it."