Gough doubts Flintoff has England future - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Gough doubts Flintoff has England future

Darren Gough believes Andrew Flintoff's England career is over.

The all-rounder last week decided to reject a contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board and become effectively a freelance one-day player.

"England won't pick him," said Gough. "From what I gather, Freddie's doing this on his terms - and if the selectors stick to what they always say they won't pick him."

Flintoff, who was ineligible for a more lucrative central contract having been forced into Test retirement with a chronic knee complaint, turned down the incremental deal that would have handed the ECB some jurisdiction over his playing schedule.

The two-time Ashes winner still plans to feature for England in 50-over and 20-over cricket, but former Yorkshire and England bowler Gough believes his international career has finished.

"They've (the selectors) always said that if it's a choice between two players, the central contract player will always be their first pick," added Gough.

"So, if they stick to those words, they're saying Flintoff won't play."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?

Hazard warning

What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon