Ben Stokes’ former England teammate Steve Harmison reckons Freddie Flintoff’s experience as captain could help turn our fortunes round in the Ashes and understands the pressure
Ben Stokes should bend Freddie Flintoff’s ear to save the Ashes, says former England teammate Steve Harmison.
The fast bowler, who helped England claim the urn in 2005, reckons the Lancashire legend’s experience as captain could help flip our fortunes Down Under.
He insists the former Top Gear host “went through a hell of a lot” during the 2006-7 series when he was captain, and “knows exactly” what pressure Stokes is under. Talking ahead of the second Test in Brisbane, Steve said: “The emotions that Ben Stokes has felt when he walked off that field, Andrew Flintoff has felt that in that country and in that environment.
“What a person to have on your side if you need, and it is a big if, that little bit of advice. As a team-mate and in the dressing room, when the chips were down and characters needed to stand up, more often than not Andrew said the right thing.”
Freddie, who is widely seen as one of England’s best-loved cricketers, always knew how to “give somebody a kick up the backside” and “have a laugh at the good and bad things,” Steve said.
He told Grosvenor Sport that it makes sense for Stokes to reach out to his pal “for a bit of guidance” because “they get on well”. Freddie is also “side by side with the lads” now that the Lions and first team play together.
It comes as England prepare to do battle in Brisbane following a walloping in Perth.
But Steve warned that Freddie won’t approach Stokes off the cuff for fear of stepping on the captain’s toes. He added: “Andrew will not go to Ben, Ben would probably have to go to Andrew.”
The team arrived in Queensland last week ahead of Thursday’s day-night Test at The Gabba.