Collingwood may be unlucky, but England have to find a balance and the bowling needs bolstering more than the batting, although Tim Ambrose’s shortage of runs at No7 does make the middle order appear vulnerable.

Flintoff has missed England’s last 17 Tests and is feeling a bit like the new kid on the block.

“It’s been a long time and a lot of hard work has gone into it,” he said. “I’m ecstatic almost just to get back into the England squad. 

“It’s been frustrating, but there has not been a great deal I could have done about it. I feel good about myself and my fitness. The side strain is long gone, the ankle operation was that long ago that that is forgotten, too, and I am just ready to go.

“Its been so long and with a new coach [Peter Moores] and different players and with me trying to fit into the side, for me it is like a fresh start. I am going to give what I can in the dressing room, in practice and in the match. I will just try to make a difference in whatever way I can.”

Flintoff, 30, hit his peak in the Ashes summer of 2005, when he became the most recognisable sportsman in the land. But he sees no reason why he cannot recapture those glories by the time the Australians return  next summer. 

“I feel I have a better grasp of bowling now,” he said. “I can adapt to the situations of the game or different pitches.

“I didn’t start the season too well with the bat, but I feel in the last few weeks I have been making strides to get back to playing well. Batsmen in their early 30s have reached their peak, so hopefully mine is just around the corner.”

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur always expected Flintoff to be back for this Test and although concerned about the threat he poses as a bowler, will be quite happy to see him batting as high 

as No6.

“Flintoff at six will put a lot of pressure on England’s top order,” said Arthur. “Flintoff the bowler worries us a bit more. He bowls particularly well around the wicket, especially at 

left-handers, and we have done a bit of work on that. 

“He will be under a little bit of pressure coming into this Test with all the hype around him. He’s a quality, quality player and if we are to conquer England we want to do it playing their best side – that is certainly with Fred in it. We are looking forward to playing him and it heightens the challenge.”

Arthur is optimistic that opener Neil McKenzie, whose nine-hour century helped South Africa draw the first Test, will recover sufficiently from a groin strain to play. J-P Duminy stands by.