It is ironic that England have the most settled team in the history of the game and yet it is all but certain to be changed for the Headingley Test. Never before has a Test team remained unchaged for six matches. England have won four and drawn two in that sequence but there will be no more continuity in selection. Someone will make way for Andrew Flintoff.
It is testament to Flintoff's stature that he can break into such a settled eleven. He has not played a Test match since January 2007, when he captained England to defeat against Australia in Sydney. He has missed 17 matches, of which England have won seven, drawn seven and lost three. They have coped without him but still welcome their talisman back as soon as he is at full fitness.
The world cup pedalo incident and poor batting form - two half centuries in ten innings downunder in 2006/07 - are forgotten, as Flintoff must feature in England's best eleven. His aggressive bowling has been sorely missed as England continue to be inconsistent with the ball. Ryan Sidebottom has been a revelation in Flintoff's absence, but the big allrounder is the true leader of the attack.
Batting form has eluded the Lancastrian this season as he battled his way back to fitness from ankle surgery and a side strain. It would be unrealistic to expect him to produce the career-defining performances of 2005, when he was instrumental in England's Ashes victory, but he possesses the ability to excite more than any other player.
This is quite a claim with Kevin Pietersen in the same team, but Flintoff's batting can be even more explosive and this is why England need him: not just to win matches, but to provide excitement. The spectators at Lord's who witnessed a sixth consecutive draw at the ground would have relished even a 20 minute cameo from 'Freddie'.
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