Andrew Flintoff has been recalled to the England squad for the second Test against South Africa 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 returned to fitness before a recent side strain hampered his comeback to the international fold.

Flintoff takes Chris Tremlett's place in an otherwise unchanged squad. He could replace the struggling Paul Collingwood in the starting line-up or come in for bowler Ryan Sidebottom, depending on the extent of the stiff back he has been nursing.

His qualities with the bat and ball would certainly give England more options after they drew against South Africa at Lord's in the first Test yesterday.

England lacked the firepower to bowl the tourists out for a second time after building a commanding first innings lead of 346, although they were not helped by a placid pitch.

Flintoff is renowned for his pace and accuracy and has shown fine form with the ball since returning to first-class action with Lancashire.

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 unbeaten 39 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."