Cricket: Fred's step closer to a Test return; CRICKET DRAMA AT HOME AND IN INDIA.

Byline: By MIKE WALTERS

ENGLAND hero Andrew Flintoff troops off up the pavilion steps at The Brit Oval after a run-a-ball 23 as he continued on the comeback trail.

Lancashire's Flintoff, who had a fourth operation on his left ankle last autumn, struck three consecutive fours but was out in less than 30 minutes after he edged spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to Mark Butcher at first slip.

Replying to Surrey's firstinnings 537-5 declared Lancs finished the third day on 241-6.

Red Rose pacemen Jimmy Anderson fears England's axe could fall on him at Lord's - his happiest hunting ground in Test cricket - because his form blows so hot and cold.

Although two of his fivewicket bags in his 22 Tests have come at Lord's - on debut against Zimbabwe in 2003 and his career-best 5-42 against India last year - he fears the chop for next month's First npower Test against New Zealand.

Anders on, 25, said: "Nobody's place is set in stone, and I'm certainly not taking mine for granted.

"I'm not back to square one after a mixed bag in New Zealand, but there is going to be a real battle for places this summer and I know I can bowl better.

"Lord's has always been one of my favourite places."

CAPTION(S):

LONG CLIMB BACK Freddie Flintoff returns to the Oval pavilion after being dismissed for 23