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 T20 Blast in England.

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,” Law told the Manchester Evening News.

“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.

“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.

After spending most of his retire­ment years flitting between televi­sion studios, charity engagements and, improbably, the boxing ring, 36-year-old Flintoff is understood to have missed the challenge of top-flight sport.

He trained alone for long spells to prove to Lancashire he was serious about a comeback and competed in the second XI before progressing to the first team.

Now he is eager to maximise his fi­nal stint in the game and could even enter the Indian Premier League auction if his mooted move to Aus­tralia is a success.