Flintoff To Captain Injury Hit England
With England’s injury crisis getting worse by the day Andrew Flintoff will lead England in the first Test with India in Nagpur on Wednesday.
Skipper Michael Vaughan joins Marcus Trescothick, Ashley Giles and now fast bowler Simon Jones on the absent list.
Vaughan’s troubled knee has flared up again and he does not expect to be playing again until the summer, adding to England’s already troubled tour.
Flintoff was due back in England for the birth of his second child but has decided to stay on due to the crisis in the England camp.
“The situation dictates what I’m doing,” said Flintoff. “It’s a sacrifice I have to make, but I feel I am very much making the right decision.”
“It’s a hard decision, but my wife Rachael is very supportive of it. She is very proud I have been made captain.”
“Unfortunately I’m probably not going to get home until after the third Test match when the baby will be born.”
England will have at least one and possibly as many as four uncapped players in the side for the first Test.
“It’s been a tough tour for the lads so far with illness and injuries. We’re keeping the medical staff on their toes, the physios and doctor, who are doing a great job,” said Flintoff.