Sydneyfan
09-12-2006, 09:16 PM
Could be mistake. The guy already does everyhing else on the field.
Flintoff was named at the helm of the 16-man touring squad announced by chairman of selectors David Graveney at The Oval today, exactly one year after England won cricket's prized urn at the same venue.
"We had to make a very tough decision in choosing between Andrew Flintoff and Andrew Strauss for the captaincy and we were fortunate to have two such outstanding candidates available to us in Michael Vaughan's absence," Graveney said.
Regular captain Vaughan was ruled out of the tour some time ago as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
Strauss, after a 5-0 one-day series loss at the hands of Sri Lanka, led an injury-depleted England to a 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan, including the controversial forfeited fourth Test, and a 2-2 one-day series against the same opposition.
He was in charge of the side while Flintoff recovered from ankle surgery.
Flintoff, who led England in India and at home against Sri Lanka before he was injured, said he was pleased with the way his recovery was progressing and was looking forward to facing Australia.
"I'm very proud, excited about having the chance to lead the side in Australia,'' Flintoff said.
"I relish the challenge, relish the opportunity to do it.''
Also named in the squad was spinner Ashley Giles, who is continuing his rehabilitation from a lengthy hip injury.
England: Andrew Flintoff (capt), Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Chris Read, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Monty Panesar, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Sajid Mahmood, Liam Plunkett, James Anderson.
Flintoff was named at the helm of the 16-man touring squad announced by chairman of selectors David Graveney at The Oval today, exactly one year after England won cricket's prized urn at the same venue.
"We had to make a very tough decision in choosing between Andrew Flintoff and Andrew Strauss for the captaincy and we were fortunate to have two such outstanding candidates available to us in Michael Vaughan's absence," Graveney said.
Regular captain Vaughan was ruled out of the tour some time ago as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
Strauss, after a 5-0 one-day series loss at the hands of Sri Lanka, led an injury-depleted England to a 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan, including the controversial forfeited fourth Test, and a 2-2 one-day series against the same opposition.
He was in charge of the side while Flintoff recovered from ankle surgery.
Flintoff, who led England in India and at home against Sri Lanka before he was injured, said he was pleased with the way his recovery was progressing and was looking forward to facing Australia.
"I'm very proud, excited about having the chance to lead the side in Australia,'' Flintoff said.
"I relish the challenge, relish the opportunity to do it.''
Also named in the squad was spinner Ashley Giles, who is continuing his rehabilitation from a lengthy hip injury.
England: Andrew Flintoff (capt), Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Chris Read, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Monty Panesar, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Sajid Mahmood, Liam Plunkett, James Anderson.