Sport | Cricket
It's great to work with Flintoff, Flower says
Gulf News speaks to the man in charge of the England batsmen and finds out more about the legendary cricketer.
- By D Dutta, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 23:30 November 21, 2008
- England's assistant coach Andrew Flower.
- Image Credit:
Andy Flower is unquestionably the most successful of the contemporary batsmen to have played the Indian spinners with distinction. Now he is in charge of the England batsmen. And he is quite impressed with the way Andrew Flintoff bats. The following is excerpts of an interview with Flower.
You have been quite successful against India. What are the basics required in a batsman to be successful against spin?
Well, there is no definite way to counter spin. It depends upon the individuals. Flintoff can't use the same sort of method that Bopara or Bell can. He is a big and strong player. For physical reasons, too, his approach is different.
What are the strengths of Andrew Flintoff, the batsman?
That he can hit down the ground and he can hit it big. Although he is big, I think he is more skilful than his body suggests.
What was your idea about him before you took up the job?
A completely different one. But when I studied him closely, I was really impressed by his skills.
What are those reasons that forced you to be impressed about Flintoff?
See, for a batsman, it is most important to pick the length early. Then, he has to play according to the merit of the ball, as well as according to the situation the team is in. Thirdly, you need to understand your own game. Andrew is excellent in all three parts.
How did you enjoy working with him?
It's really an enjoyable experience. He is serious about his batting. He works hard. He uses his power intelligently and wears a thinking cap, It's great to work with such a beautiful person.
He had batted well in the first two one dayers in India, too.
And he has been doing it since the series against South Africa. I saw an important development there, to try and place the ball in gaps. You cannot get boundaries always. Then you have to look for the gaps and he was trying to do so in that series. And he is carrying his good work here. Although in the first two matches we could not do well, yet, we have not lost all hope.
But playing well against South Africa and playing well in India are completely different propositions.
I know that. Here, if you need to be successful, you have to play spin well. And Andrew had played quite well in his previous tours. So, there is every possibility, he will make it bigger this time in the remaining matches.
You had always countered spin by sweeping a lot. Do you think Flintoff, too, needs to sweep?
Again, it depends upon the individual. He needs to decide what's good for him.
Share this article
Popular in Sport
-
Pictures
Famous female golfers
A look at some famous female golfers, teeing off with Annika Sorenstam
Sport Editor's choice
-
Georgiou, Al Thafiri promise close race
Pirelli Star Driver contest on gravel to be held on Thursday and Friday
-
All-woman team a milestone for Dubai rally
Bin Sulayem all praise for Batikhi and Al Tajir as they gear up for the final leg of FIA Middle East event
-
Del Potro admits there's room for improvement
Virtually assured of ending year as World No 4
