Moores sees Flintoff's six appeal

Peter Moores believes England will reap the benefits if they are patient with Andrew Flintoff’s attempts to rediscover his best form back in his old position at number six in the Test line-up.

The 30-year-old Lancashire all-rounder has played his best cricket for England batting in that position, including his man-of-the-series performances during the 2005 Ashes victory.

Flintoff was initially pencilled in the order at seven on his return from an 18-month spell on the sidelines with ankle and side injuries, with former captain Michael Vaughan seeing him as ideal to try to replicate the counter-attacking innings of players like Australia’s Adam Gilchrist.

But following Vaughan’s resignation last week and the appointment of Kevin Pietersen as the new captain, Flintoff was promoted back to his old position at six for the final npower Test victory over South Africa at the Brit Oval, which allowed England to field five specialist bowlers.

He failed to make a significant score, hitting just nine in the first innings, but finished the match in style with a straight six off left-arm spinner Paul Harris which coach Moores believes is a signal that Flintoff is on the way back to form as a batsman.

Andrew Flintoff hits the winning six against South Africa at the Brit Oval

Buy this photo

“The nice thing about seeing Fred bat at six is that it gives us balance and lets us put out the attack we put out in the last Test,” explained Moores.

“Watching the bowling attack with the four seamers, it gave us lots of options to maintain pressure for longer and that’s really promising.

“Fred looks in good nick to me. He’s played well at six before so there’s no reason at all why he can’t play well at six again.”

Flintoff’s installation at six could also give England greater options for the winter, which would enable them to play two other specialist seamers and still have room for two spinners on the tour to India before Christmas.

The squad for the tour to India, which comprises seven one-day internationals and two Tests, is unlikely to be named until England return from the ICC Champions Trophy at the end of September, but Moores conceded Flintoff’s role at six will be vital to balancing the side.

“When we’re looking at the side for India, which may have two spinners, we need to get the balance right between getting runs and taking wickets,” said Moores.

“On this showing (at the Oval) it allows you to pressure the batters for longer which had quite a big influence on the game.”

Flintoff’s old friend Steve Harmison is also expected to be given a big role following his successful return to Test action at the Oval, although England are going to plan his preparations carefully to make sure he is bowling fit for the first Test at Ahmedabad on December 11.

Harmison is expected to fly out India early with the other Test specialists with the Lions squad on November 21 to give him several weeks of practice leading into the start of the Test series.

“If he gets through the rest of the season with Durham we’ll see where we are to build him up for that Test match series,” said Moores.