RAIN permitting, Andrew Flintoff will face the first meaningful test of his latest comeback in the leafy Cheshire countryside today.

While Flintoff did take the field in Alderley Edge on the first day of a second XI fixture with Durham, he was restricted to a couple of bits of fielding and plenty of arm-folding at second slip as Lancashire were held up by some late order hitting.

It was a disappointment to the locals, who turned up in larger than usual numbers in a town used to star names given the number of Premier League footballers who live nearby.

And they will hope forecasters' predictions of a wet day to follow prove to be wide of the mark as Flintoff looks to make his first runs since May 2 after recovering from a side strain.

Three ducks on the trot, two of which came in the County Championship against Durham when Flintoff suffered the latest in a series of injuries that have seen him make six previous comebacks with varying degrees of success, provide the backdrop to the all-rounder's innings today.

As he is seemingly restricted to a batting brief only, Flintoff will be determined to make his mark and ensure his fitness for another second team game at Liverpool, followed by a first XI fixture with Sussex at Hove, and then, possibly, a return to the international stage.

However, David Lloyd, the Lancashire stalwart, provided a note of caution as the prodigal son embarks on what he hopes will be a successful return.

"He has to be patient and not rush it," said Lloyd.

"There is bound to be a clamour to get him back for England but he has the right people around him to make sure he takes his time."