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The Lancashire all-rounder has not figured for England in the past 12 months due to continued trouble with a long-running ankle problem.

But after taking wickets on his return to county action at the start of the new season, Flintoff claims he is ready to play in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

"I definitely feel I could play a Test match now," he told The Sun.

"I've missed a lot of international cricket in the past, so I'm itching to play for England once more.

"My bowling in both forms of the game has been going very well. The ball is coming out nicely and there have been no ill-effects or twinges in the ankle, which is a big relief."

However, Flintoff has conceded that he faces a fight to win his place in the Test side back.

"As far as the Test is concerned, we'll just have to wait and see," he continued. "Most of the England bowlers are firing.

"Jimmy Anderson and Matthew Hoggard are taking wickets, big Steve Harmison is bowling well against us this week and Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom are bowling well for Notts.

"What really pleases me is I have bowled some eight-over spells and 12 in a session on Wednesday with no problems.

"I had a bit of body stiffness when I first started bowling again but I feel confident and the opposition we've faced in county cricket has been tough."