8216;Freddie8217; is back: Trescothick

Trescothick, who last month announced retirement from international cricket because of a recurring stress-related illness, top-scored in Somerset8217;s 238 all out with Flintoff taking a typically economical two for 40 from 16 overs.

During the close season all-rounder Flintoff underwent a fourth operation on a troublesome left ankle that has not always been able to stand the strain of his all-action approach to fast bowling.

This match is only his second first-class appearance since surgery but Trescothick was convinced Flintoff, who has not played Test cricket in over a year, would have no fears in being ready for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord8217;s on May 15.

8220;He8217;s ready to go,8221; said Trescothick after Lancashire closed on 60 without loss in reply to Somerset8217;s total. 8220;That8217;s as good as he8217;ll bowl 8211; I don8217;t think he8217;ll get into a Test match against New Zealand in a couple of weeks8217; time and bowl any differently. Bowling-wise, he8217;s ready. It was tough. He bowled really well today 8211; very consistent pace,8221; added Trescothick after Flintoff had Peter Trego caught behind and Craig Kieswetter leg before.

8220;It was normal 8216;Freddie8217; 8211; you never would have known he would have had much of a lay-off.8221;