England have recalled Andrew Flintoff for the second Test against South Africa, which starts at Headingley Carnegie tomorrow.

The 30-year-old all rounder returns to the Test team after an 18-month absence through injury. England chose to leave him out of the first Test at Lord's as he proved his fitness with Lancashire. Paul Collingwood looks the most likely to lose his place, but Michael Vaughan, the England captain, says he will leave that decision until the last minute.

"I will say that 'Freddie' Flintoff will play," Vaughan said. "He will bat at No 7, and then the decision will be made whether we go for four bowlers or five.

"Whichever decision we make, Freddie will definitely bat at seven."

Flintoff's presence in the team will lift a bowling attack that spent three successive days in the field in the first Test even more than the news that Neil McKenzie may be forced to miss out because of a groin injury suffered during his 447-ball epic in the second innings.

Chris Tremlett has been called up as cover for Ryan Sidebottom, whose back problem will be reassessed this morning.

"We are waiting on Ryan Sidebottom's injury - and we are not going to know until the morning," Vaughan said. "Chris Tremlett will come in as cover."

Darren Pattinson has also been included as further bowling cover, with James Anderson complaining of a stiff back. The Nottinghamshire seamer is a former roof tiler who was born in Grimsby but raised in Australia.