New England Vice-Captain?

[Collyisamackem]

Since Flintoff was stripped of the England vice-captaincy who should replace him? I've put a few candidates up who play both test and ODI cricket and would be realistic contenders, including Strauss if he were re-selected for the ODI side given his outstanding captaincy against Pakistan last year. However, since he was dropped I think Collingwood is the most realistic choice at the moment and by far one of our most experienced ODI players.

On another note, and more importantly, my condolences go to the family of Bob Woolmer. RIP

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Collyisamackem

Since Flintoff was stripped of the England vice-captaincy who should replace him? I've put a few candidates up who play both test and ODI cricket and would be realistic contenders, including Strauss

First Colly Flintoff has not been stripped of the vive-captaincy! - he has been stripped of the vice-captaincy for this World Cup series, there is a world of difference.
But let say who should be vice-captain during the remainder of this World Cup (and no longer), well Strauss is not a contender, because he can't even make it in the side, and it would look odd if he came back as vice-captain.

Collingwood is thee only serious contender, but to be replaced by Flintoff (if allowed, or Trescothick otherwise when fit).

Other than him- it would have to be Nixon, the others are two young, or not good enough.

[Occasional Fan]

Technically correct. However, I rather think Flintoff will never captain England again and he will not be re-appointed as vice-captain. In fact, I'd put money on that.

[Collyisamackem]

Indeed Ern, it would seem extremely unlikely that he will be reinstated as vice-captain and frankly I think that will do him the world of good. I don't think he is a captain and and have no reason to, and hopefully he will get his act together and raise his game to where it should be without the burden of decision-making. Vaughan or whoever else can always ask his opinion but that is all it should be from now, he has cost himself the captaincy and he will have to live with that.

Besides, I think Colly would do a bang-up job of being captain.

[Ernest]

Graham Gooch led a rebel tour to South Africa in 1982, was banned for three years - but then he was forgiven and was also England captain.

Mike Gatting also was banned for three years, but was recalled.

Michael Vaughan says this:-

Originally Posted by Vaughan

I don't see a drinking culture within this England team. I see a bit of immaturity and a lack of common sense.

Flintoff has not caused a problem, because according to Vaughan - a problem does not exist.click here

Compare Flintoff to Gooch - Flintoff did not desert his country for cash.

Also players will have noticed how Flintoff was punished out of proportion, and there could well be a dressing room rebelion - if his punishment goes on and on and on.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Ernest

and there could well be a dressing room rebelion - if his punishment goes on and on and on.

Think you are living in a fantasy world here Ern. Although Vaughan stated he did not think a "drinking culture" existed, there has been no denial that Flintoff and Co went out on the lash till the early hours (If he did come home early - why was he on a pedalo at 4am!!)

If the players continue to act immaturely and get caught, they should expect to get punished.. I doubt there will be a rebellion by anyone..

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/1,,2007120686,00.html

Back on topic, Strauss is out of favour, but would come back if Vaughan was injured. But for me Collingwood is the best bet. After that, Nixon is mad as a Badger - Joyce, Bell, Dalrymple, Plunkett, Anderson, Panesar, do not have the experience and the captaincy could ruin KP. So Colly it is for me.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Collyisamackem

Besides, I think Colly would do a bang-up job of being captain.

I am sure he would - but so would Flintoff, in the absence of Vaughan these are the only real options England have, pedalo or not.

There are no obvious candidates, or one would have been named by now.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Think you are living in a fantasy world here Ern.

Well I had not thought abouit it, until I heard the idea muted on TMS some minutes before my post, the thought was if Flintoff wished (and I stress wished) he could lead players away from Vaughan.

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Although Vaughan stated he did not think a "drinking culture" existed, there has been no denial that Flintoff and Co went out on the lash till the early hours (If he did come home early - why was he on a pedalo at 4am!!)

I am not saying Flintoff was not on a pedalo (I am not sure of the time) - I am saying Vaughan says there is no problem, so why has he had the book thrown at him.

He could have been fined like the others - and given a private last warning.
Anyway back on topic there is no option to Collingwood, I just hope the England manaement come to their sences.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Ernest

He could have been fined like the others - and given a private last warning.

Two problems with that

1. He has apparently already had a number of private warnings - they don't seem to have done the slightest bit of good in deterring him
2. It is difficult to give a private warning when the players actions have got him splashed ( ) all over the front covers of the Sunday morning papers!!

Why did he get punished more:-

1. This was not the first incident (maybe it was for the other guys)
2. He was in a position of responsibility, and with that comes an expectation of behaviour

He fell below the standard required and received a punishment for it.

So by default we are saying Flintoff will have to be Captain if Vaughan is injured.. I am sorry but there are at least two good candidates, I think Colly would make a very good injury replacement, but lets hope he is not needed.

Maybe before the management comes to their senses, Flintoff needs to, and that means knuckling down, scoring some runs and taking wickets, not getting legless and nearly drowning.

[greg]

If Vaughan gets injured then his replacement in the team will almost certainly be Strauss,seeing as Strauss has done a good job previously and is unlikely to be trying to drown himself at 4am he is the logical choice to take over as captain should Vaughan get injured.If we need to appoint a vice-captain for this competition then Collingwood may as well get it as the senior member of the team in terms of experience seeing as Strauss is currently out of the side.

As long as Flintoff is no longer a possible captain this sorry episiode could be a good thing for England as Flintoff has proved he can't captain and perform like he normally does so having him back in the ranks with a point to prove could be ideal.