Freddie Flintoff is back to fire up England
PETER MOORES hopes Andrew Flintoff will be the first of many former England greats to pass on the benefit of their wisdom after hailing the former all-rounder's visit a success.
The England coach, who enjoyed a good relationship with Flintoff during his first stint in charge of the national set-up, invited the former great to spend a day with his players in Brisbane.
And Moores admitted he is now looking to extend a wider invitation. It is unlikely to extend to Kevin Pietersen.
"Any player who has played for their country and played brilliantly, it's just great to have them around the squad," said Moores. "Some things move on and some things stay exactly the same.
"Freddie came in and gave his view, he had a bowl, and it was good to have him around. With past players it is really important to make sure we build up those relationships."
Moores' tactic apes the successful bridging of the generations achieved by his Australian counterpart Darren Lehmann, who encouraged a fluid exchange of ideas between former stars and his current players.
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Flintoff appeared to enjoy himself, holding boxing pads for players to spar with, bowling at Chris Jordan and Chris Woakes in the nets and topping off the day with a team barbecue.
Jos Buttler, who played with Flintoff at Lancashire in the NatWest T20 Blast last summer, insisted such an open-door policy can only benefit the inexperienced players.
To say I played with 'Freddie' Flintoff is something I never, ever thought would happen
"Just to be in the changing room with him was great," said Buttler.
"To say I played with 'Freddie' Flintoff is something I never, ever thought would happen. But it was a great experience because he's such a good guy to have around.
"It's always great to talk to guys who played the game and obviously being such a big character and such a great player for England as well, I'm sure everyone wants to chat to him."
When the last of the shrimps has been eaten and the last of the beers drained England can focus on trying to beat India in their next tri-series match in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
It will be no easy task despite India suffering defeat, as England did in their series opener, at the hands of Australia yesterday, this time by four wickets.
England are hoping Jimmy Anderson will be fit to boost their side after recovering from his groin strain with the swing bowler likely to come in for Steve Finn or Jordan.
