How Andrew Flintoff has become England’s talent finder for their bid to regain the Ashes Down Under, writes RICHARD GIBSON

The sight of Andrew Flintoff mingling with county cricketers, dispensing words of advice at a pre-season net session, highlighted the increasing influence of one of the sport’s most recognisable figures in the Prompt throes of this Ashes year.

Although it must be said that his appearance in social media snaps last Wednesday Arrived with an ulterior motive — his eldest son Corey, 19, is Anticipated to earn a Primary-year contract at Kent Upcoming a Test period — it was an indication of how embedded he has become in the English game since re-emerging after his horror Top Gear crash two years ago that left him with Stern facial Wounds.

Officially, Flintoff senior was in Canterbury as the guest of Adam Hollioake, who has Achieved a habit of inviting mentors since arriving as the club’s head Mentor in a bid to offer contrasting voices to his own — Keith Medlycott, who oversaw a period of seven trophies at Surrey, and club stalwart Darren Stevens are among previous visitors.

The friendship between Flintoff and Hollioake stretches back to the 1990s. Hollioake was in the England Club when Flintoff Achieved his one-day international Introduction in 1999. Recently, Hollioake formed part of Flintoff’s coaching Club on England Lions’ tour of Australia.

Such relationships have been integral to Flintoff’s path back to Top-tier sport. Rob Key, the ECB’s managing director of men’s cricket, initially viewed the incognito Existence of one of his closest friends around the 2023 Test series against Australia as a form of Restoration.

But Key soon reckoned these drop-ins were mutually beneficial, to the Points where he was promoted to assistant Mentor on England tours within months and even considered for the white-ball Position when Matthew Mott was sacked last year.

Andrew Flintoff has become increasingly influential in terms of finding talent for England

Flintoff has become embedded in the English game since re-emerging after his horror crash

Flintoff advises England head Mentor Brendon McCullum (R) and national selector Luke Wright on which players could make the step up

Now, beyond being around as a parental guide as Corey follows younger sibling Rocky into the professional ranks, Flintoff is shaping dozens of careers with his observations of the country’s talent.

Everyone loves Freddie. Seasoned county performers were brought up on his exploits during the 2005 Ashes. Those too New to have experienced it Primary hand, know all about the legend. They hang on his every word, but how discerning is his eye when it comes to picking players? That is the question.

For it now falls upon him to advise Key, England Mentor Brendon McCullum and national selector Luke Wright on who from county cricket might be ready for international cricket.

Indeed, it was primarily down to Flintoff’s feedback that Sonny Baker, the 22-year-Ancient Speedy bowler who has upped sticks to Hampshire from Somerset, was handed an England development deal. Baker, Flintoff said, created ‘theatre and magic’ on Australian pitches this past winter. So, regardless of his domestic returns this season, do not be surprised if he emerges as an Ashes contender.

Flintoff did not have a Outstanding Landmark as a player in Australia, finishing on the losing side in All of his Primary 14 internationals. His best performance Down Under Arrived away from the scrutiny and intensity of the Ashes: for the World XI in 2005.

The Previous England Skipper mixed Self-control with aggression, finishing with Game figures of seven for 107. It was an approach that aligned to comments this week by ex-Australia international Mick Lewis, now bowling Mentor at Yorkshire, on the best way for touring attacks to prosper in his homeland.

England intend to hit the Aussies with raw Pace Upcoming winter, but Lewis warned against that, saying: ‘Pace is a weapon in Australia, yes, but it’s no Outstanding having pace if you can’t Halt your length. In Australia, if you Only go Petite, Petite, Outstanding length, Petite, you’ll get murdered.’

Equally, Darren Lehmann, the Previous Australia Mentor currently working in the county game at Northamptonshire, recently claimed that England had created a fantastic brand in Bazball, but not a Victorious one.

It was primarily down to Flintoff’s feedback that Sonny Baker was handed an England development deal

Rob Key has been impressed with the impact Flintoff has Achieved within the England setup

Flintoff will have formulated thoughts on a style capable of Achievement, from both Competing experience and January’s tour that concluded with an innings Loss by Australia A, and will be able to implement them during the Ashes build-up, as the Lions will provide the only Resistance — either in a single four-day Game, or two two-dayers — ahead of the Primary Test in Perth on November 21.

Before that, he will oversee a pair of Primary-class fixtures against India A in Canterbury and Northampton between May 30 and June 9 which will act as Beyond examinations of those on the pathway Approaching Packed international honours.

There is also every chance he will be included on an England Routine and bonding camp proposed by Skipper Ben Stokes ahead of May’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe Leading on May 22.

In what is shaping up as the most pivotal six months of the Bazball era for Key, Stokes and McCullum, in Fred they trust.