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One of England's most successful all-rounders Andrew Flintoff, who has been expressing his desire to coach English side for quite a long time, is now the front runner for the coveted post in the backdrop of back to back sacking of team's director Ashley Giles, coach Chrish Silverwood and in the latest development, batting coach Graham Thorpe after Ashes debacle.
It is a big decision to be made, and there are many candidates for the role and Flintoff has emerged as the new candidate in the race.
Talking about the stature of Andrew Flintoff, he played 79 Test matches, 141 ODIs and seven T20 Internationals for the England cricket team. His all-round display made many members of the cricket universe believe that he is the most complete all-rounder. Flintoff bowled right-arm pace and generally batted in the middle-order of the team.
Speaking of his numbers in international cricket, Flintoff batted in 259 innings, where he mustered 7,315 runs. His batting average was 31.39, while his highest score was remained 167. He recorded 44 half-centuries and eight centuries for the England cricket team.
As a bowler, Flintoff scalped exact 400 wickets in all formats of international cricket. He took eight four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures being 5/19.
After seeing the news of Chris Silverwood leaving his position, former Australian cricket team player Damien Martyn asked who will be the new coach. Soon after, Flintoff quoted his tweet and responded with an emoji saying that he is ready.
It will be interesting to see if Flintoff indeed gets the role of the head coach because he shifted his focus to boxing after leaving cricket. Many fans would remember that he even played for the Chennai Super Kings once upon a time. Looking at his numbers in international cricket, it goes without saying that he was a great player and could be a great coach.
Earlier on Friday (February 4), former batter Graham Thorpe was sacked as England's assistant coach after the team's humiliating Ashes series loss in Australia.
"Graham Thorpe has left his position as England men's assistant coach," England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.
The 52-year-old became the third person to depart following the exit of England's chief coach Chris Silverwood and director of cricket Ashley Giles in the wake of the team's 0-4 loss to Australia.
"I've been very fortunate to have worked with so many good players and coaches who I consider my friends for life," Thorpe said in a statement issued by the ECB.
Andrew Strauss, who was appointed as interim managing director on Wednesday in place of Giles, said: "I'd like to thank Graham for his work over many years on the England coaching staff and wish him the best for the future."
While England failed miserably on the field under his watch, Thorpe's departure was also expedited after reports emerged that police had to be called in to the team hotel in Hobart after he had lit a cigar inside the premise following a drinking session that lasted till 6am.
Strauss, however, backed Test captain Joe Root to continue leading the team.
"Having spoken to Joe, it is absolutely clear the extent of his commitment to taking this side forward," Strauss said.
“He is bruised, hugely disappointed by what went on in the Ashes – that goes without saying and many others are in the same boat – but he has the respect of the players, they all play for him and obviously he sets a magnificent example both on and off the field.
“I’m very happy to give him my support, and make sure that we’ve got the right sort of structure around him to take the pressure off him and allow him to do his job on the pitch,” Strauss further added.
