Flintoff gets the nod

Andrew Flintoff will deputise for Michael Vaughan during his absence © Getty Images

Andrew Flintoff will lead England against Australia in Friday’s Commonwealth Bank Series encounter at the Gabba.

With Michael Vaughan ruled out through a torn left hamstring, Flintoff will take charge of England’s third match of the triangular tournament.

Vaughan’s position at the top of the order may be filled by Essex’s Ravi Bopara, who met up with the touring party when they arrived in Brisbane.

All-rounder Flintoff began the tour of Australia as captain but was replaced by Vaughan when he returned from a knee injury which threatened to cut his career short.

Flintoff has played arguably his best cricket since, helping the tourists to their first win in 72 days Down Under on Tuesday when they beat New Zealand by seven wickets in Hobart.

The announcement was delayed on a day that England made their way from Tasmania to Queensland via Melbourne, with Flintoff insisting he wanted to give his decision appropriate thought.

Final discussions took place between flights this afternoon and he was revealed as captain once again at 9.30pm local time in Brisbane.

“It’s something I wanted to think about - I didn’t expect this when Michael came back,” said Flintoff.

“It was about getting it right in my mind and you shouldn’t underestimate what a big job it is.

“We are a young, inexperienced side and I wanted to get it straight in my mind.”