ANDREW Flintoff’s Twenty20 comeback is gathering pace after Brisbane Heat coach Stuart Law revealed he expects to sign him for this winter’s Big Bash League.

After five years in retirement the larger-than-life all-rounder made a surprise return to competitive action during this season’s NatWest T20 Blast.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It looked as though it would be a damp squib as injury hit after just two outings for Lancashire, but in typical Flintoff style he picked the perfect moment to grab the limelight.

An injury to Kabir Ali saw him drafted in for T20 finals day, where a first-ball dismissal of Ian Bell and a couple of mighty sixes reminded everyone of his natural talent.

And his former Red Rose team-mate Law was clearly paying attention.

“We’ve had discussions with Freddie,” said.

“If things go well, hopefully we will be able to confirm next week that he will play some part in the Big Bash for us.

“I am really excited by the idea. We get on really well and have had plenty of good times down the years during my time with Lancashire.

“He will be the biggest signing Brisbane Heat has made.”

Flintoff could only realistically be termed the franchise’s biggest draw in celebrity terms, but Law has made it clear he will not be coming merely as a gimmick.

“I have spoken to Fred and made it clear that this is not a holiday, but he told me cricket is number one for him, and that it is not about collecting cash, it’s about winning trophies,” said Law.

“I am sure Fred will do the right thing for this team.

“He is a proud man. He is not after the cash, he wants to contribute to the team.

“We know we will not be getting Freddie at his best from 2005, but if he is anywhere close then he will be great for us.

“The Australian fans will love him. They won’t get on his back.

“He will create a following here and will love it in Brisbane.”