Flintoff: Get Gough to replace Ottis
Mar 07 2010 - 11:29:59
Andrew Flintoff has backed Darren Gough as the man to replace Ottis Gibson as England's bowling coach.
Gibson left the post to become the new West Indies coach and former South Africa paceman Allan Donald has been widely tipped to step in but Flintoff believes Gough, who took 229 wickets in 58 Tests for England, would be the perfect choice.
"I know Alan has been mentioned along with Michael Kasprowicz," Flintoff told The People. "They are nice blokes but I'm sure Darren would do it. He would be great. He knows bowling inside and out so they should ask Goughie."
Flintoff, who retired from Test cricket last year, is currently recovering from knee surgery. He admits he has not been paying particularly close attention to England's tours to South Africa and Bangladesh - but he is encouraged by what he has seen.
"The main thing from what I have seen is we're going in the right direction," he added. "Eoin Morgan looks a class player."
Former England coach David Lloyd has also singled out former Ireland batsman Morgan, whose superb match-winning century in the second one-day international helped England to a 3-0 series win over Bangladesh.
But Lloyd believes Morgan is making a mistake by participating in this month's Indian Premier League tournament.
"He is the catalyst for this England team and could play Test cricket but he's not going about things the right way," said Lloyd. "He's missing the start of the County Championship to play in the IPL and that puts him out of contention.
"There's no reason why he should not be in every team that England pick. I have a hunch he will make it as a Test player. I like his character, his savvy and his responsibility when he bats."