Moores backs Flintoff inclusion

Flintoff (centre) made his injury return on 11 June

Former England coach Peter Moores believes all-rounder Andrew Flintoff should be picked to play in the Ashes, despite his struggles with injury.

The 31-year-old has just returned from knee surgery and made only 12 runs for Lancashire on day one of their County Championship clash with Hampshire.

He also also failed to take a wicket on Thursday but Moores insisted Flintoff " would make my England team, yes".

"England are going to need experienced men like Freddie around," he added.

"What Freddie offers you with bat and ball and also as an outstanding slip fielder and as a senior man of that team is a great thing for any side to have, especially going into an Ashes series against Australia."

Flintoff was forced out of the Indian Premier League with a meniscus tear in his right knee and also missed the series against the West Indies and the ICC World Twenty20.

But Moores feels Flintoff is now making good progress on his comeback and has urged the 2005 Ashes star to remain patient.

It is sound advice for Flintoff, who has been dogged by injury since England's triumph over Australia four years ago.

He made a shock return against Durham on 11 June taking six wickets in total, although he made only three runs with the bat.

"It's about progression for Freddie," said Moores.

"He's been out the game for a couple of months with injury but on the positive side he's come through one game and he looks strong physically in this one.

"He's bowled, I think, better then he did against Durham and batting-wise he's looking good.

"It's also about patience. He has to go out there and stay positive and if he does that he'll get some runs. He is pleased he is playing and he wants to score.

"With the Ashes coming up everyone wants to go into that series feeling good about themselves.

"You can have nets but what you want is to have scored runs and to have taken wickets."