England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is set to be named captain for the defence of the Ashes in Australia.
Flintoff has been recovering from injury and said on Monday he was happy just to be included in the squad.
However, according to widespread reports on Tuesday the Lancashire all-rounder has won the battle for the captaincy with close rival Andrew Strauss after days of deliberations by the selectors.
Flintoff will be officially unveiled alongside the squads for the Champions Trophy and the Ashes tour at the Oval later on Tuesday — one year to the day after England clinched a series win over Australia for the first time in 18 years, on the very same ground.
”It’s going to be an amazing few weeks — and having experienced it last year, I’d love to go through it all again and be on the winning team,” said Flintoff, who has played no cricket since undergoing mid-summer surgery on his left ankle.
”I’ve been kept busy, so I’ve not really had much chance to think about it. I went away last week training and made some good progress on the ankle — started running for the first time — and it’s responded well so far.”
Flintoff beat off strong competition from Strauss, who — in the Lancastrian’s absence — led England to a comprehensive Test series win over Pakistan and then guided them to a drawn one-day series against the odds.
But despite being sidelined since June, Flintoff has been granted the opportunity to try and lead England to an historic success in Australia.
”Whether it was Michael [Vaughan], myself or Straussy, the one thing you have seen from the lads is that they play for the captain and they play for each other,” he said.
”We saw that in India and we’ve seen that over the past few weeks against Pakistan — to come from two behind in the one-dayers was a great effort.
”Straussy has done a fantastic job. He’s taken over; the side has performed well — and he’s done well.”
Coach Duncan Fletcher has had no doubt the pair would be able to work together for England, no matter what the combination the selectors ultimately decided.
”I’ve always thought that first and foremost you want to play for your country, and you want your country to win,” said Fletcher.
”You do everything you can to make your team win — and knowing the characters involved, they will work together to achieve that.” — AFP
