Luke Wright slammed a 38-ball half century and did everything else he could in his debut match against India at The Oval. Despite that, the swashbuckling youngster may still find himself warming the bench as England think-tank is all set to bring back Andrew Flintoff in place of the Sussex player in the series decider tomorrow.
With India notching up back-to-back victories at Headingley and The Oval, the seven-match series is leveled 3-3 and the England management might go for experience over exuberance with Flintoff replacing Wright.
The youngster, however, is still basking in his debut match glory. Wright said
I wasn’t particularly nervous to begin with, I was just finding my feet and how I wanted to play. Some-times when you go back at a bowler you put pressure on the fielding side and take it off yourself. That is what I look to do, hit the ball as hard as I can each time.
England led the series 1-3 at one stage but Paul Collingwood’s side squandered the advantage with two defeats in a row. So when the side walks out for the final match tomorrow, they would like to parade the best 11 players they have and Flintoff, if he clears a fitness test, is definitely going to be part of the squad.
Plagued by a troublesome left ankle, which has already undergone three surgeries, Flintoff looked eager to make a comeback before the final match. ‘Freddie’ had a prolonged batting session in the nets and his bowling could prove to be an asset for the side.
