Flintoff denied comeback

Coach admits only injury prevented a recall for Freddie

Last updated: 13th May 2008

Andrew Flintoff Lancashire

Flintoff: Would have been selected for the first Test

England v New Zealand, first Test
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All-rounder Andrew Flintoff would have been selected for England's first Test against New Zealand had he been fit, according to coach Peter Moores.

Flintoff's performances has been under intense scrutiny this season, with the 30-year-old performing superbly with the ball but looking badly out of form with the bat.

However, had the Lancashire ace not suffered a side strain against Durham then he would have been poised to make his first Test appearance in 16 months.

Moores confirmed: "Yes, he would have been in the squad had he been fit.

"The whole thing with 'Freddie' and all the talk about should he be in or should he not, it would have given us a chance to assess him.

"It would have been a decision about whether he would have been fit enough to play in that Test. As it happened that decision was taken out of our hands because obviously he got a side strain.

Quickly

"Fortunately it sounds like it's a minor injury, quite a common one for bowlers, and hopefully he will get over it quickly and we'll see where we are from there."

England had until now been cagey about Flintoff's possible involvement in the Test series, however Moores admission indicates the desire to have talismanic figure back in the side.

"The most promising thing is that the ankle that has troubled him over the last two or three years and that, touch wood, has been stabilised and he's pain free," said Moores.

"That's very exciting and although his batting has been talked about a lot, batting can sometimes take a bit longer but we know what sort of player he is.

"Everybody loves bowlers who bowl 90mph. There's not millions of them around, they're a rare breed. Fred's got the advantage of not only bowling very quick but also very accurately as well, he has a natural pace and a natural length and line.

"We all like to have 90mph bowlers, but we can't always have them. Bowlers who don't bowl at 90mph can also be successful as Ryan Sidebottom has proved if they have control of their own skill and have a clear method of how to get wickets."

Comments

Christopher Grathwohl says...

I stil do not get what alot of people have against Freddie, as GREAT CRICKETER'S have said, Fred is one of the Great Cricketers in the game! If he is fit he has to be in the side, if not for his outstanding bowling, or when he's hitting the middle of the bat cleanly, the sheer intimidation advantage he gives you is worth it's weight in gold. Who is the one player that every single team England comes against admittedly say they do not want to face?..............Freddie Flintoff!!! Get better soon Freddie, it's been great to see you back in action.

Posted 03:10 14th May 2008

Sean Pearce says...

if hes not fit then dont play him. simple

Posted 17:09 13th May 2008

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