Andrew Flintoff is returning to first class cricket after five years in retirement to join Lancashire Lightning’s squad for their NatWest T20 Blast campaign.
The former Lancashire and England player joins Glen Chapple’s team as it targets Finals Day at Edgbaston in August.
Andrew Flintoff's first match for Lancashire could be in a week's time
After making his Lancashire debut nearly 20 years ago in 1995, Flintoff went on to represent England in 79 Tests, 141 one-day internationals and seven Twenty20 games. He made 80 first-class appearances for Lancashire, scoring 4,042 runs at 35.14 and taking 92 wickets at 29.16.
“I’m really honoured to be part of Lancashire once again," Flintoff told Lancashire CCC's website. "It is something that I never thought would happen but after training with the squad over the last few months I am really happy that they have invited me to play. I have worked really hard to get back to my fittest and I hope that we have a successful summer. I’m just glad that I can be part of it.”
Flintoff's first match could be against arch rivals Yorkshire in a week's time.
LCCC Cricket Director Mike Watkinson said: “We are delighted to have Fred involved once again at the club. He is Lancashire through and through and his record for both club and country speaks for itself."
In his time away from cricket, Flintoff has explored a number of options, including TV work and even a bout of professional boxing.