Broad: England coping without Flintoff

Stuart Broad feels England are adapting well to the challenge of playing without talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff

Stuart Broad admits England are looking forward to the return of Andrew Flintoff, but believes the team’s recent performances have proven they are not over-reliant on the Lancashire all-rounder.

Flintoff is still recovering from a knee operation after suffering an injury playing in the Indian Premier League and remains a doubt for the start of next month's World Twenty20.

However, in his absence, England have enjoyed a productive start to the summer with back-to-back Test victories over West Indies and a comprehensive six-wicket win in Sunday’s NatWest Series ODI at Bristol.

Broad claimed 4-46 in that game and is encouraged by England’s progress ahead of today's series finale at Edgbaston.

“It's obviously a very short series but winning is very important all the time just to keep momentum going,” said Broad.

"We've certainly won well without Fred in the past, but it's important we play good cricket," said Broad.

"He's obviously a very important player for us with bat and ball but players step up and take responsibility when he's not here, that's very important.

"We need to gain confidence of winning without Fred so when he comes back into the side there will be a lot of belief and confidence there.

"Fred is the the sort of bowler who gets thrown the ball in an important situation but when he's not in the side someone else gets given the ball and takes responsibility.

"I think we've done that well when he's not been in the side and that can only be good because when we get in a pressure situation with Fred in the side, Andrew Strauss will have options.

"I thrive on that extra responsibility and I certainly like taking the new ball. In one-day cricket we talk about the first 10 overs setting the tone and that's my job with Jimmy (Anderson).

Broad was the pick of England's bowlers at Bristol with outstanding figures of 4-46

"That's as big a responsibility as you could get, it's the team saying 'You set the tone for the innings.'

“It's a fantastic opportunity to go out there and try and take wickets and set up a game for your team."

It remains to be seen whether Flintoff will participate in the World Twenty20, but it is a measure of England’s confidence that they can think of entering the tournament without the 31-year-old and still believe they can compete.

"We've played a lot of cricket without Fred in the last couple of years," said Broad.

"I'm close to 50 ODI's and I've only played about 15 or 16 with Fred so it's important we play and adapt without him and he fits back into a role when he comes back in.

"You can't rely on one or two players and you only have to look what Australia do if (Ricky) Ponting is out, they bring someone in who steps up and takes responsibility.

"It's important you don't rely on certain players to do the same sort of jobs. Everyone needs to step up and have the skills to be able to adapt."

Team director Andy Flower organised a full gathering of the squad yesterday, having initially given the players the option to rest with only one day between matches.

The players undertook a debriefing on Sunday’s game and a net session.

"It's crucial we keep this momentum going so that's why we got together and discussed things," added Broad.

"It's all very well talking about what we could do better when we lose, but it's also important when you win talking through what you did really well so that you can continue your momentum."