Mark Wood praises 'fantastic' coach Andrew Flintoff as bowler says England legend has a 'real aura'

Andrew Flintoff’s ‘natural aura’ has proved a big hit with England’s T20 World Cup squad in the Caribbean, according to fast bowler Mark Wood.

Flintoff has been working with the white-ball set-up since last summer, having re-emerged into public life after the devastating accident that left him with facial disfigurement while filming for the BBC’s Top Gear show in December 2022.

The former England captain has kept a low profile since his return, partly because he wants to ease his way back into a sport he formally quit nine years ago, and partly because of a dislike of the media stemming from his playing days.

Now, he is busy sharing the wisdom accumulated during an international career that included a starring role in the 2005 Ashes and brought him 3,845 Test runs and 226 wickets, as well as 141 ODI appearances.

‘I think he’s fantastic,’ said Wood. ‘He’s got a real aura, the way he speaks. He comes up to people individually, pulls them aside and keeps things very simple: he told me he had three balls – a bouncer, a fast yorker and a hard length. He’s great to have around the group, and easy to talk to.’

With head coach Matthew Mott under pressure after the debacle of the 50-over World Cup in India last year, another letdown here could yet lead to a reshuffle of the coaching staff. Should Flintoff wish to work his way up the coaching ladder, he appears to be doing his prospects no harm.

The immediate job for England’s backroom staff is to help the players into the right state of mind for Saturday’s game against Australia at Bridgetown, a fixture that has grown in importance following the abandonment against Scotland on Tuesday.

And Wood admitted that a defeat would conjure up the narrative that took hold in India, where England lost six of their first seven group games during a woeful defence of their one-day title.

It would also leave Jos Buttler’s team dependent on winning their last two games, against Oman and Namibia in Antigua, and potentially hoping that their net run-rate remains better than Scotland’s. Victory over Australia would produce a collective sigh of relief.

‘It’s crucial now, especially with weather around and the run-rates being tight in the other game,’ said Wood. ‘If we can get ahead there, it will be easier when it gets down to the wire. You never need to get up for an Australia game, but it’s more importance because of the points.

‘Lose, and I’m sure there will be questions asked by you guys in the media, like the last World Cup in India, so it’ll be an important game for us and one we’ll be desperately trying to win.’

Wood came closest to making a breakthrough against the Scots, only to be denied the wicket of George Munsey because he had overstepped. But his two overs cost just 11, and he averaged 91.2mph. In the spiritual home of fast bowling - his maiden Test five-for came in St Lucia - he has already made an impression on the locals.

‘It is pretty cool, especially when you hear Mark Wood coming on at the Malcom Marshall End over the tannoy,’ he said. ‘That was special.

‘I was in a taxi the other day and the guy was saying: “I know you.” I said: “Yeah, Mark Wood.” And he said: “Yeah, you’re nippy man, you’re nippy.’ It is good to be here and have that sort of recognition, and I enjoy being in the Caribbean with those memories of St Lucia.’