Andrew Flintoff managed only a bit part as Jimmy Anderson completed Lancashire's 232-run demolition of Durham - but the all-rounder remains a 'no-brainer' selection for the first Test.

Flintoff's county captain Stuart Law could hardly help but be impressed as Anderson kept himself bang in the frame to face New Zealand at Lord's next week by taking five for 46 in Durham's sorry second-innings 90 all out at Old Trafford.

Even so, Law insists it is Flintoff - wicketless on the third morning of this LV Division One mis-match - who should still be the first name on the England sheet now he appears back to full fitness.

Flintoff bagged match figures of seven four 42, to Anderson's nine for 77; yet his outstanding bowling form has coincided with a nightmare run of low scores which has culminated with three successive ducks in his last three championship attempts.

That, as far as Law is concerned, is irrelevant.

"I'd hate to go into that first Test against New Zealand, into any game, without Flintoff," said the Australian.

"People are saying he's not scoring enough runs - so bat him 11!

"It doesn't matter - that might be the kick up the backside he needs.

"He's working his utmost to get that right; he's one shot away from being back. But his bowling is out of this world."

Testament to that came in Flintoff's performance against Justin Langer's Somerset on this ground last month, and then again as he saw off his England colleague Paul Collingwood for a single.

"If anyone wants any words to back that up, give Justin Langer a call and ask him about that hour of bowling he faced," added Law.

"You don't play county cricket to face that. It's horrible. JL said 'if he's not good enough to play in that England side, it's ridiculous'.

"I'm of the same opinion. It's a 'no-brainer'."

There was a shorter action replay when Collingwood came up against Flintoff's formidably well-directed pace and bounce.

"I think that over to Collingwood was the best working-over of a world-class batsman I've seen for a long time," said Law.

"Colly's a good player, but Freddie made him look almost second rate.

"That's just the quality of Andrew Flintoff. With the ball in his hand and the bit between his teeth, he had a point to prove.

"I don't think it would have mattered if it had been Ricky Ponting or Brian Lara - they would have felt the heat."

On Friday, however, it was Anderson who took advantage of swinging conditions under cloudy skies.

His first deed was to drop a regulation chance at slip to reprieve nightwatchman Mark Davies and deny Flintoff a fourth wicket of the innings.

Three balls later, Flintoff was again frustrated as short-leg Mohammad Yousuf very nearly hung on to what would have been an outstanding catch from Michael Di Venuto's firm push off the full face of the bat.

The Australian therefore survived on 16 - but his overnight partner Davies got only as far as the next over before Anderson had him lbw aiming to leg.

Garry Park followed a short-of-a-length delivery to nick behind and give wicketkeeper Luke Sutton his fourth catch of five in the innings.

There was fleeting consternation as Flintoff made his way off the field, having bowled five overs, but it transpired there was no setback in his recovery from a fourth operation on his left ankle. He was merely taking a comfort break.

Once Mark Chilton's fielding had then accounted for the most important wicket - opener Di Venuto run out by a direct hit from cover - it was down to Anderson to hasten the end for Durham, with Flintoff on a watching brief at slip.

Phil Mustard edged Anderson high to second slip, and the England hopeful struck again in his 11th straight over when Ben Harmison flashed another catch behind.

Mitch Claydon was then lbw to Sajid Mahmood, and it was all over 20 minutes before lunch - with five full sessions unused - when Steve Harmison holed out tamely off Anderson.

Law was left to contemplate a heartening first win of the season for Lancashire - but also the prospect of whether he will have the services of Flintoff to help chalk up many more.

Half of him hopes the selectors get it wrong; but less partially, he advises that England must pick a player who could soon be back to his very best with bat as well as ball.

"I don't want him to go. But that's being selfish from a Lancashire point of view," he said.

"From an England point of view and an Andrew Flintoff point of view, I want him to go and be the best he can be in that side.

"At one stage he was rated the best all-rounder. He can be that again - there's no doubt."