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Andy Flintoff went into championship action today knowing that one more good performance would seal a place on the winter tour of South Africa.

England are ready to make changes after the debacle against New Zealand - and the Lancashire powerhouse is viewed as the natural replacement for Graham Thorpe.

But England's gain would definitely be Lancashire's loss. Flintoff is also a sure-fire bet to be one of the 16 players put under central contract by Lord's next March, virtually ruling him out of the county championship campaign.

The idea is that, with seven Tests and 10 one-dayers against West Indies and Zimbabwe, the contracted squad would only be released for limited overs games, particularly the Benson and Hedges Cup and the NatWest Trophy.

While that gives them time for rest and recuperation, it means that the new two divisional championship will lose its top stars. Under the contract proposal Lancashire would be paid compensation for Flintoff, although the exact figures have not been agreed.

England will name their Test and one-day squads for the winter next week.

Meanwhile Flintoff was set to take on Worcester at New Road today as Lancashire aimed for their sixth championship win in a row to boost their bid for runners-up honours.

But the start of play was delayed by rain.

Elsewhere, Former Australia batsman David Boon insists a national academy for young players is vital if England are to improve their standing in world cricket.

The Durham captain believes the academy at his county, which has produced three players currently starring for England Under-19s in their series against Australia's youngsters, should point the way forward.

The under-19s are currently world champions in their age group and 1-0 up in the three-match series with Australia.