Pietersen's absence a major concern: Flintoff by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

A Flintoff

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DateLine: 24th July 2009

 

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff said that Kevin Pietersen's absence from the rest of the Ashes will be a major concern for England. and this could give Australia a major lift.

 

"If (Australia captain) Ricky Ponting was injured you are quite happy not bowling at him - and I think Australia will be thinking the same about Kevin," Flintoff was quoted as saying in Herald Sun.

 

"It means a lot playing in the Ashes and I fully expect he'll be coming along to watch a few of the games once he's back on his feet."

 

Flintoff said that KP is a massive influence on the English side and he wished him well.

 

"He's a massive influence on our team so it's going to make it tougher for us - but he's been in pain. He will be greatly missed and we wish him well - he'll be gutted."

 

"He's performed well in the past and we expected him to in the next three matches but he'll come back, he's young and I'm sure he's got a few more Ashes series in him yet."