Lloyd urges Flintoff to be patient as all-rounder returns

David Lloyd has urged Andrew Flintoff to be patient as he hits the comeback trail again. Flintoff has been out for six weeks after suffering a side strain against Durham in May. The injury robbed him of an appearance in England's series win over New Zealand as Flintoff was bowling with all the old venom after recovering from a third ankle operation.

Now 30, Flintoff returned to action at Alderley Edge yesterday as Lancashire Second XI began their three-day encounter with Durham. Lloyd was one of the interested spectators as Flintoff's pre-lunch exertions were largely limited to fielding at second slip as Durham slumped to 141 for 5. And while he welcomed Flintoff back into the fold, he cautioned against expecting too much too soon.

"He has to be patient and not rush it," Lloyd said. "There is bound to be a clamour to get him back for England but he has the right people around him to make sure he takes his time."