England bowler James Anderson admits the return of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has boosted the side ahead of Friday's third one-day international.

The 31-year-old has shaken off his hip injury and is ready to return when England face the West Indies in Barbados level at 1-1 in the series.

"Just having him around the squad has had a big impact," said Anderson.

"Freddie has a lot to offer, he has a lot of experience and the opposition do fear him, it's great to see him back."

Flintoff's return gives England a selection headache as to who makes way for the all-rounder for the third match of the five-game series.

Anderson and Steve Harmison both impressed in Sunday's match, while Stuart Broad excelled in Friday's opener.

Gareth Batty could be the man to suffer - if England decide to go in without a spinner.

The series is currently level at 1-1 after England won the first match by one run on the Duckworth-Lewis method in farcical circumstances when home coach John Dyson misread the situation and called his side in prematurely.

The West Indies, inspired by a masterful Shivnarine Chanderpaul century, then won the second match by 21 runs.

Anderson himself is pleased with his form and is hoping England can go some way to winning the series with victory on Friday.

"It's been quite a close contest throughout, including the Test series," said Anderson.
   
"From a spectator point of view they probably want it to stay level going into the final fixture.

"I hope we win the next two games to be honest and get it wrapped up."

Anderson, who took three wickets in Sunday's defeat, added: "I'm happy with my cricket, and my bowling and also the direction I'm going in.

"I just want to continue improving and working on my game and put myself in pole position for the Ashes series.

"I've done a lot of talking to our batsman to find out which balls they don't like facing as well as trying to improve my variation of bowling also.

"I've played 100 one-day games and I know I can play at this level. I'm confident of my ability."