Andy's South Africa chance (24 August 1999)
Andy Flintoff went into championship action today knowing that one more good performance would seal a place on the winter tour of South Africa
24-Aug-1999
24 August 1999
Andy's South Africa chance
Lancashire Evening Telegraph
Andy Flintoff went into championship action today knowing that one
more good performance would seal a place on the winter tour of South
Africa.
England are ready to make changes after the debacle against New
Zealand - and the Lancashire powerhouse is viewed as the natural
replacement for Graham Thorpe.
But England's gain would definitely be Lancashire's loss. Flintoff is
also a sure-fire bet to be one of the 16 players put under central
contract by Lord's next March, virtually ruling him out of the county
championship campaign.
The idea is that, with seven Tests and 10 one-dayers against West
Indies and Zimbabwe, the contracted squad would only be released for
limited overs games, particularly the Benson and Hedges Cup and the
NatWest Trophy.
While that gives them time for rest and recuperation, it means that
the new two divisional championship will lose its top stars. Under
the contract proposal Lancashire would be paid compensation for
Flintoff, although the exact figures have not been agreed.
England will name their Test and one-day squads for the winter next
week.
Meanwhile Flintoff was set to take on Worcester at New Road today as
Lancashire aimed for their sixth championship win in a row to boost
their bid for runners-up honours.
But the start of play was delayed by rain.
Elsewhere, Former Australia batsman David Boon insists a national
academy for young players is vital if England are to improve their
standing in world cricket.
The Durham captain believes the academy at his county, which has
produced three players currently starring for England Under-19s in
their series against Australia's youngsters, should point the way
forward.
The under-19s are currently world champions in their age group and
1-0 up in the three-match series with Australia.
Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)