‘You can picture him being involved as a full-time coach’ – Ben Stokes calls for Andrew Flintoff’s full-time appointment as coach

Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff had recently been involved quite a lot with the English national team. The former all-rounder provided the side with valuable insights and advice in their recently concluded four-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Having recently sustained several facial injuries whilst filming for BBC’s ‘Top Gear’, Flintoff had been in recovery for quite a few weeks and had made his return in the England dressing room, it was quite clear that the players liked the advice of the former all-rounder. 

Star player Ben Stokes was of a similar opinion. Stokes opined that he could picture Flintoff being a full-time coach for England and that he loved every minute of his involvement with the squad.

“After his cricket career, Freddie’s personality was perfect for TV. But then you see him make a comeback, and you can picture him being involved as a full-time coach. He loved every minute of it. He said that he was in awe of what he was witnessing. Every day he spent with us, he grew more confident within himself,” Stokes told The Telegraph.

It is clear that the insights worked as England put forth sensational performances against New Zealand in the four-match ODI series. After losing only the first ODI, England clinched the series after winning the final three matches. The side will hope to carry their momentum with them to the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 as well. Furthermore, with Stokes’ remarks, it could be quite the possibility that Flintoff could join England for the World as well.

The side will be kicking off the World Cup by taking on New Zealand in the season opener of the tournament on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Aiming to defend the World title, England will look to put in good performances in the marquee event and it could be interesting to see how well they fare in Indian conditions at the World Cup.