Andrew Flintoff set for return to cricket with Lancashire club side

Andrew Flintoff is on the verge of returning to cricket after signing for Penwortham in Lancashire's Palace Shield. The former England and Lancashire all-rounder retired in September following his failure to recover from a knee injury. But now Flintoff, who was born in Preston, is set to join his brother Chris at the club next season. The club's chairman, Paul Walmsley, confirmed Flintoff's arrival – subject to the necessary paperwork being approved. "Andrew Flintoff has signed for Penwortham Cricket Club," he said. "His forms will be sent to the Palace Shield league officials for their subsequent approval." Walmsley could not hide his delight at securing the signature of one of cricket's biggest personalities. He added: "We look forward to seeing Freddie once he has recovered from recent surgery. He has expressed a keen interest to play alongside Chris and he will, of course, be made more than welcome. "Obviously the prospect of having such a well-known former international cricketer playing for Penwortham is tremendous for our club and the competition in general." Penwortham run four senior Saturday teams, one Sunday team and a 20-20 team in the midweek league.