Flintoff joins up with England

(GETTY IMAGES)

Andrew Flintoff returned to the England fold today as they prepared for the opening npower Test against South Africa - but only as a net bowler.

The Lancashire all-rounder was in London following last night's Twenty20 Cup quarter-final defeat to Middlesex and was asked to join the rest of the squad training at Lord's this morning.

He was due to bowl in the nets to give England a chance to monitor his fitness but has not been added to the squad for the start of the four-Test series tomorrow.

Flintoff was due to make his Test comeback at the start of this summer against New Zealand following ankle surgery but suffered an untimely side strain.