Andrew Flintoff ready to make comeback for Lancashire second XI

Andrew Flintoff remains on course to return from a long injury lay-off in Lancashire 's second XI fixtures against Yorkshire next week. The 32-year-old, who still hopes to play for England in future limited-overs matches, is set to feature at Crosby, near Liverpool, where the Roses rivals play a one-day match on Monday and a three-day game starting the following day. "Hopefully next week possibly there's a chance of playing in the second team, just as a batter initially and then start picking up the ball from there," Flintoff said. Gloucestershire inflicted a first Clydesdale Bank 40 defeat of the season on Yorkshire with a 65-run victory in the opening game of the Cheltenham Festival. Gloucestershire joined Yorkshire on 10 points at the top of Group B after the visitors were bowled out for 229 in reply to 294 for six by the hosts. Chris Taylor, with an unbeaten 83 off 63 balls, top scored for Gloucestershire before Yorkshire slumped to 73 for five at one stage.