Don't rush Flintoff - Atherton - Sport in brief

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The all-rounder returned to action for Lancashire in March following an ankle injury but has not played international cricket since the World Twenty20 in South Africa and last appeared in a Test match in the disastrous 2006/07 Ashes tour.

Atherton said in his Times column: "For his own sake, and for the good of the team, he should not be picked - at least not yet."

He added: "What is the rush? England should beat New Zealand with the most frequently invoked relative in broadcasting - Geoffrey Boycott's mum - at the helm.

"Why not let Flintoff continue to bowl for Lancashire so he can take time to build confidence in his body and try to find some batting form before the tougher questions that South Africa will ask in the second half of the summer?"

Flintoff finished with bowling figures of four for 21 against Durham on Thursday but was out for a golden duck.