Flintoff interested in Lancashire captaincy

Andrew Flintoff is a surprise addition to the list of contenders to succeed John Crawley as Lancashire's new captain next season.

The Lancashire all-rounder is in Zimbabwe with the England squad, where he is part of England's one-day squad, but has let it be known that he would be interested in the job after the club decided to replace Crawley at the end of last season.

"It's something I'd love to do at Lancashire, I'd love to captain the side," Flintoff admitted. "I've played for Lancashire since I was nine and it's something I'd like to do.

"Whether I would do it now is something I'd have to think about if and when I was asked.

"I'm out here in Zimbabwe playing for England at the moment and that's all that's been on my mind, but when I get back on Monday I'll go and find out what's been going on."

Flintoff has also telephoned the England coach Duncan Fletcher to ask if he can join the Academy squad due to visit Australia.

"I rang up Duncan to see if I could go but I think there was a plan for myself and Owais to go anyway," explained Flintoff.

"There will be a lot of time to work on your game with the coaches and I'm excited about going over there and hopefully I will come back a better player.

"It's a great opportunity to go to Australia and learn how they play the game and how they approach cricket. They have some great coaches out there and I hope to learn a lot from them."

If either Flintoff or Shah are included in England's one-day squad for the series in India and New Zealand after Christmas, they will pull out of the Academy squad and join the senior party.