The ‘natural born leader’ has often been called the heart of the England team, both by his critics and his colleagues. But will Andrew Flintoff’s return boost the England side as they prepare for their second series of the summer - or has the magic faded?

Flintoff has been the talisman of the England side every time he has taken to the field with them and as a bowler he inspires confidence that he can always find a wicket when his team needs one. Belief can be everything for a team, and Flintoff can supply that in spades.

But what impact wouls his return have on an England bowling attack that is looking its most fearsome in a long time. All three pacemen, Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson, have proved themselves and have gelled into a match-winning unit.

'Flintoff’s batting may have come under scrutiny lately, but he has proved himself a true all-rounder before'


Will the selectors really want to split up their attack? If so, who would go?

It could be the case that Broad’s maiden Test 50 has convinced the selectors that there are enough runs in the lower order to allow the risk of Flintoff at six in place of the currently out-of-form Paul Collingwood.

Flintoff’s batting may have come under scrutiny lately, but he has proved himself a true all-rounder before, and there is every chance his prowess with the bat could be won back once he begins playing regularly.

It is not just Flintoff’s own physical contribution to proceedings, however, that makes him an asset to the England side. Many have praised his on-field charisma and ability to lift the team’s spirits when they begin to drop, which can be as important as performing well himself.

Flintoff’s slip fielding has also been missed, with several missed chances blighting some of England’s fielding efforts in recent months.

Of course, England are not a lost cause without Flintoff, but his presence has always proved a boost to confidence in the past and confidence will be needed if England are to mount a good challenge against South Africa later this year.

If Flintoff can come back and be near his best, England have a bona fide match-winner in their midst, someone who really can help to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, but is he worth the risk?

With a 100% fully fit Flintoff on the field for England, I’d say that the risk would be worth it.