Lay off Pattinson - Flintoff

Flintoff: first Test appearance for 18 months

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Andrew Flintoff played down the impact of Darren Pattinson's surprise inclusion on England's 10-wicket second-Test defeat against South Africa at Headingley.

Nottinghamshire seamer Pattinson, 29, was parachuted into the starting XI after just 11 first-class matches due to Ryan Sidebottom's back injury.

Experienced internationals such as Matthew Hoggard, Stephen Harmison and Simon Jones were overlooked in order to give the Grimsby-born, Australian-raised bowler a Test debut.

Pattinson claimed 2-95 in 30 overs while South Africa piled up 522 in their only innings and has since carried much of the blame for the defeat, with England captain Michael Vaughan admitting there was confusion over his selection.

Flintoff, who made his long-awaited comeback from injury in the same Test, confirmed the rest of the team did not know about Pattinson's inclusion until the Friday morning.

But he told Sky Sports News: "I don't think that should affect anyone's individual performance."

Flintoff revealed he had played against Pattinson in a Twenty20 match and admitted he had bowled a "decent pace".

Asked about the possibility of Harmison - who has been in good form for Durham - returning for the third Test, Flintoff added: "Steve's a class performer.

"With Simon Jones and Matthew Hoggard there's probably quite a few to pick from."

The third Test of the four-match series starts at Edgbaston on July 30.