Andrew Flintoff makes an immediate impact on his return to action Owen Humphreys/PA

ANDREW STRAUSS has sent Australia a warning ahead of this summer’s Ashes: Freddie’s coming to get you.

The England skipper is adamant Andrew Flintoff will be ready in time for the first Test at Cardiff on 8 July, with the all-rounder in great shape following his recent injury traumas.

Flintoff smashed 93 runs off 41 balls in Lancashire’s Twenty20 win over Derbyshire on Thursday evening.

The Aussies still have nightmares about the all-rounder’s heroics in 2005, when he inspired England to a famous Ashes victory with a devastating spell of strike bowling.

And Strauss says a fully fit Freddie will be a huge asset to the team, as England look to regain the precious old urn after the 5-0 humiliation of two years ago.

“He seems very fit and is bowling at a good pace,” said Strauss.

“It's obviously early in his comeback but we've got to assume he'll be fit for the five Test matches.

“It's a massive plus for us if he is. He adds balance to our side and we know the Aussies don't like facing him.

“We're all hopeful that after a long period of bad luck he has the rub of the green for a while and produce a really good Ashes series.

“It will be fantastic to have him back again.”

While Flintoff is expected to wreak havoc with the ball, Strauss is backing Ravi Bopara to do the business with the bat.

And the England captain says he has immense faith in the Essex star, as the London lad goes into the biggest series of his life.

“Ravi is a quality bloke,” said Strauss.

“When you look at an international cricketer you look at his technique, how will he cope with the quicker bowling and spinners.

“But more than anything you look at their temperament. In Barbados, when Fidel Edwards was fizzing those bouncers around his ears, he will remain calm and in control of his game.

“That's what you want to see and he's in great form as well. He's more than capable of batting for England at three for a long period of time.

“It's exciting to have a guy as talented as him in the side. I think he'll have a great series.”

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