SYDNEY, Sept 13: Australian cricketing legend Rod Marsh on Wednesday backed his former protege Andrew Flintoff to lead England's upcoming Ashes campaign. “He's a magnificent cricketer and a wonderful leader of men. Why wouldn't you pick him as captain?” said Marsh, the former Test wicket-keeper who helped mould Flintoff when he was coach at the England cricket academy.

Flintoff was the hero of England's 2-1 home Ashes triumph with 402 runs and 24 wickets, and he beat off competition from Andrew Strauss to captain them in their defence of the famous urn in November.

He needs to come back from ankle surgery to make the Ashes series but Marsh dismissed suggestions England were taking a gamble on the towering 28-year-old.

“It's exactly what I would have done if I'd been a selector,” Marsh said.

“And if I was in the England team, I'd be very comfortable having him as captain.

“He's got everyone's respect in England, and I think he's got the respect of the Australian players as well.”—AFP