ENGLAND can pencil in Andy Flintoff for the first Test at Lord's on May 18.

The Lancashire star produced another superb display at Canterbury to show he is ready to recapture the place he lost through injury during the South African tour last winter.

Flintoff was disappointed to get out within reach of a century but his 77 was packed with good shots and followed sparkling innings of 80 not out against Cambridge University and 70 against Derbyshire.

Despite the bad weather, he has hit top form with the bat, has been bowling well, and looks in first-class shape.

"I'm feeling good at the crease," he said. "Nice and relaxed. I'm just trying to keep it simple and hopefully, if my form continues like this, I'll get another go with England."

Flintoff hit 10 fours in racing to his 50 off 49 balls, even though the ball was moving around in heavily overcast conditions. Then he added three more scorching boundaries before edging a delivery from Martin Saggers which left him at the last moment.

Chris Schofield played well for 34, but the rest stuttered against the menacing Mark Ealham and Lancashire's 186 total left them without a point from the first three weather-hit days.

Lancashire stay down in Canterbury for the opening National League fixture tomorrow with captain John Crawley (thumb) and Neil Fairbrother (groin) still fighting for fitness.