ANDY FLINTOFF is champing at the bit to join Lancashire's Benson and Hedges Cup campaign this weekend.

Freddie will finally be allowed to play for the first time this season in the last two group games against Leicestershire at Old Trafford on Sunday and Yorkshire at Headingley the following day after being kept in cotton wool with the rest of the England players by coach Duncan Fletcher for the last two weeks.

"I'm desperate to get back into Cricket, which is probably the idea," said Lancashire's star all-rounder.

"When I start on Sunday against Leicester, I'm going to hit that game hard.

"And I can't wait to see the Lancashire lads again. They're your mates, you just can't wait to get stuck into the banter.

"To be honest with you I'm a bit bored at the moment."

Flintoff will also be available for Lancashire's next Championship match, a heavyweight showdown at the Oval against Surrey, the only other team to have won their first two games, starting next Wednesday.

That will be a huge boost to captain Warren Hegg and cricket manager Mike Watkinson, and steps up the pressure for first-team places.

Lancashire were in B&H action against Durham in Chester-le-Street today, looking to add to the point they picked up from Sunday's abandoned game at Derby.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire could be without inspirational new captain Darren Lehmann for at least a fortnight in the middle of the season as Australia play a three-match one-day series against Pakistan.

Australia have not yet made plans to select their side, but there is no doubt they will pick their strongest team as they continue the build up to next year's World Cup.

There are 13 top Australian players contracted to English counties this summer and of those at least five are almost certain to be picked for the series in July.

Along with Lehmann, Ian Harvey (Gloucestershire), Andrew Symonds (Kent), Michael Bevan (Leicestershire) and Andy Bichel (Worcestershire) are also expected to feature in the series.

And Australia will make sure they are there for the matches at Colonial Stadium, Melbourne, on July 12 and 15 and the Gabba in Brisbane on July 19.

"Make no mistake about that," a spokesman for the Australian Cricket Board told PA International today.

"Australia always pick their strongest team and it's a point of honour with our players that they turn up and play for their country whatever else they may have on. Remember, we have first option on all our players and we will be making full use of that."