Give Flintoff a break - Lloyd

Twenty20 / Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Former England coach David Lloyd feels England would be better served resting Andrew Flintoff for the entire summer to aid his recovery from injury.

The Lancashire star is set to undergo more surgery, his third operation in two years, as he continues to suffer discomfort in his ankle.

Flintoff has missed the opening two Tests against the West Indies and will be absent for the remaining two matches at Old Trafford and the Riverside, as well as the two Twenty20 fixtures and three one-day internationals.

There have been claims that the burly all-rounder could return for the Test series against India - which begins on July 19 - but Lloyd feels it would be better for Flintoff to be given the whole summer off so he can take advantage of a much-needed rest.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lloyd said: "My own view and I might be in the minority here, is that it's the best thing that could happen for him and for England.
"He has a massive work load and this ankle injury is so troublesome it needs full rest."
'Bumble' went on to add: "What the medical team have been trying to do in the past is to give him an injection here and injection there, and I think it's gone beyond that now.
"I'm not a medical man but looking back Glenn McGrath and Shaun Pollock had the same injury and there's no cure other than maybe 12 months off."

Despite the concerns over Flintoff's fitness, Betfair punters see England as favourites to beat India on home soil.
Michael Vaughan's men are trading at 1.8 to win the three match Test series, with India available at 3.6 and the draw on offer at 3.3.