Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, has welcomed the return of Andrew Flintoff to the England squad for the second Test at Headingley, but says he is fully aware of the threat the "world-class" all-rounder poses.

The Lancashire player was absent from the first Test at Lord's, but he is widely expected to return to the England team after an 18-month absence through injury.

Flintoff hit three consecutive half-centuries in his last three Tests at Headingley and Smith is well aware of the threat he poses. "He's a great guy and I think he's fantastic for the game," Smith said. "It's going to be another challenge for us in this Test match."

South Africa battled back in the first Test after being asked to follow on and they held their nerve to hold on for a draw. Smith said he was proud of the character his side displayed, but admitted there was room for improvement. "To bat for two-and-a-bit days is never easy and it's not done often," he said. "We can take a lot of heart out of that. We only played at 50 or 60 per cent of our potential so at least we know we can improve a hell of a lot and that's been our focus this week.

Smith played hisn part in saving the Lord's Test, posting a stubborn 107 off 207 balls. He was delighted that the hamstring injury that had kept him out of action for six weeks before he arrived in England had not affected his performance. "There was a little bit of nerves and a little bit of tension going in to the Test," he said. "But to get runs under my belt in that situation feels good."

South Africa are expected to name an unchanged side for the second Test.