Flintoff will provide lift for England

ENGLAND planned to welcome back an old friend in Brisbane today when Andrew Flintoff was due to join them at their practice at the Gabba for his first involvement with the national team since he limped away from the 2009 Ashes.

Flintoff’s extraordinary comeback, which started with Lancashire last season and extended to the Brisbane Heat Big Bash team, now includes him putting in an appearance at England’s practice ahead of their tri-series game against India.

Flintoff has been asked to join the England team by coach Peter Moores not to bowl but to chat to the younger players and allow them to pick his brains.

It is felt that Flintoff, who has hinted that his comeback will come to an end after the Big Bash is concluded next week, will be a positive presence for a young England team still rebuilding after the upheaval of the last year.

The appearance of one of the legends of the 2005 Ashes series would give England a boost after their defeat in the tri-series opener against Australia and with them now desperately needing to beat India at the Gabba on Tuesday.

SCOTLAND’S cricketers could complete a remarkable turnaround by beating Ireland to lift the ICC Associate TriSeries in Dubai tomorrow.

The Scots looked to be down and out after losing their opening two fixtures to Afghanistan and the Irish.

However, they grabbed a lifeline with Wednesday’s thumping 150-run revenge win over the Afghans and their chances of winning the tournament were boosted yesterday when Afghanistan beat Ireland.

Now victory for Preston Mommsen’s side in the final match will see Scotland top the table on net run-rate.

Coach Grant Bradburn said: ‘We came here to prepare for the massive challenge of playing at the World Cup next month.’