Flintoff gets Warne backing

Shane Warne thinks Andrew Flintoff will do a good job as England captain for the Ashes

Shane Warne believes England’s selectors have made the right decision in handing all-rounder Andrew Flintoff the captaincy, insisting he will do “a good job”.

The Australia spinner, not playing in the ICC Champions Trophy in India after retiring from international one-day cricket, believes Flintoff will lead from the front but will also rely heavily on advice from Andrew Strauss.

Strauss skippered England during the summer in the absence of Flintoff and injured Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan.

“It’s an aggressive move to make him captain. I’m sure he will do a good job,” Warne said.

“I don’t think it’s a risk. You look at the candidates and I think he will need someone like Andrew Strauss.

“I think at times during the summer he will go to Andrew Strauss to work out what’s the right time to bowl and those sorts of things. He (Strauss) can keep an eye on things while he’s bowling. But I think it’s a good move from England.”

Warne has also announced he is standing down from the one-day cricket with his state team to concentrate on Australia’s bid to win back the Ashes, while allowing up-and-coming players a chance to play on the domestic scene.

“The main reason is state cricket is all about producing players for international cricket,” he added.

“Why should I take up a spot when that spot could be taken up by a young spinner or someone else they want to try? It’s different if you’re in a leadership role, but we've got a young captain, a young side.

“Five Tests in seven weeks is going to be pretty tough, especially the way they’re going to be.

“They’re going to be pretty tough Test matches, but I play eight Pura Cup games this year. That’s a lot, so it’s a long summer and I’m looking forward to it.”