Mark Wood has expressed his admiration for coach Andrew Flintoff's impact on the England squad during the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. Flintoff, who has been working with the white-ball set-up since last summer, has impressed players with his wisdom and approachability.
Wood praised Flintoff's "fantastic" aura and highlighted his ability to simplify things for players. Flintoff's experience as a former England captain and his stellar international career, including his role in the iconic 2005 Ashes series victory, adds weight to his guidance.
Despite Flintoff's low profile since his return to public life, his influence on the team has been significant. He has been instrumental in providing valuable advice to players, including Wood himself, on tactical aspects of the game.
With head coach Matthew Mott under scrutiny following England's disappointing performance in the previous 50-over World Cup, Flintoff's involvement could potentially lead to a reshuffle in the coaching staff if England fails to perform well in the T20 World Cup.
The focus now is on England's crucial match against Australia, with Wood acknowledging the importance of securing a victory. A defeat would not only intensify media scrutiny but also put England's qualification hopes in jeopardy, necessitating wins in their remaining matches against Oman and Namibia.
Wood, who came close to making an impact against Scotland, emphasised the significance of the upcoming match against Australia. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and expressed confidence in the team's ability to deliver under pressure.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Wood has enjoyed the recognition and support of fans in the Caribbean, which has added to his enjoyment of playing in the tournament. The atmosphere and memories of his previous successes in St Lucia have further motivated him to perform well for England in the T20 World Cup.