Mark Wood reveals he’s been blown away by ‘fantastic’ coach Andrew Flintoff’s ‘aura’ – as England legend bids to help T20 World Cup title defence

Andrew Flintoff’s ‘natural look’ 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 setup since last summer, having re-emerged into public life following the devastating accident that left him with a facial disfigurement while filming for the BBC show Top Gear in December 2022.

The former England captain has kept a low profile since his return, partly because he wants to force his way into a sport he formally retired from nine years ago, and partly because of an aversion to the media that stemmed from his playing days.

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

“I think he’s great,” Wood said. ‘He has a real presence, the way he speaks. He comes at people individually, pulls them aside and keeps it very simple: he told me he had three balls: a bouncer, a quick yorker and a hard length. He’s great to have in the group and easy to talk to.’

Flintoff has been working with the English white ball since last summer

With head coach Matthew Mott under pressure after last year’s 50-over World Cup debacle in India, another disappointment here could yet lead to a reshuffle of the coaching staff. Should Flintoff want to work his way up the coaching ladder, he doesn’t appear to be doing any harm to his prospects.

The immediate task of England’s backroom staff is to get the players in the right frame of mind for Saturday’s match against Australia in Bridgetown, a match that has taken on increasing importance following Tuesday’s abandonment against Scotland.

And Wood admitted defeat would evoke the story that unfolded in India, where England lost six of their first seven group games in a woeful defense of their one-day title.

It would also leave Jos Buttler’s team reliant on winning their final two matches, against Oman and Namibia in Antigua, and possibly hoping their net run-rate remains better than Scotland’s. A win over Australia would bring a collective sigh of relief.

Wood says the England legend is a great character for the players to have in the group

“It’s crucial now, especially with the weather being good and the run-rates in the other game being tight,” Wood said. “If we can make progress there, it will be easier when it comes down to the wire. You never have to get up for a match in Australia, but it’s more important because of the points.

“Loss, and I’m sure there will be questions asked by you guys in the media, like the last World Cup in India, so it will be an important game for us and one we will be desperate to win.”

Wood came closest to a breakthrough against the Scots, but he was denied the wicket of George Munsey for going too far. But his two overs cost just 11, and he averaged 90mph. In the spiritual homeland of fast bowling – his first Test five came in St Lucia – he has already impressed the locals.

Wood says Flintoff approaches players individually and keeps things very simple

“It’s quite cool, especially when you hear Mark Wood coming over the Tannoy into the Malcom Marshall End,” he said. ‘That was special.

‘The other day I was in a taxi and the man said, “I know you.” I said, “Yes, Mark Wood.” And he said, ‘Yes, you’re a smart man, you’re a smart one.’ It’s good to be here and get that kind of recognition, and I enjoy being in the Caribbean with those memories of St. Lucia.”