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Andrew Flintoff plays down David Warner threat

Flintoff plays down Warner threat
© PA Photos
Andrew Flintoff says that England should not make any special plans to deal with David Warner should Australia call him for the Ashes.

Former England bowler Andrew Flintoff believes that the current side should not make any special plans to deal with David Warner if Australia recall him for the third Test of the Ashes.

The 26-year-old missed the first two encounters of the series against the Three Lions after being suspended for punching Joe Root in a Birmingham nightclub last month, and was sent out to South Africa with Australia 'A' in order to practice.

Coach Darren Lehmann has admitted that Warner could be recalled for the Old Trafford Test after scoring 193 runs last week, but Flintoff does not see this as a reason for England to change their tactics.

"Warner strikes me as the type of character who will be brash, chippy and in your face when he comes out to bat in the Third Test," Flintoff told The Sun. "If he plays, the 25,000-strong crowd in Manchester will be on his back from the first ball.

"How the England team reacts is a different story — and there are two ways Alastair Cook's side can go about it. Sure, they can go back at him with the aggression, sledging, intimidation and the like. But, better still, just leave him to it. I don't think he warrants having a go back at, it's a total waste of breath.

"You can't have an argument if only one person is talking and the way England are bowling at the moment I wouldn't change a thing. He made a monkey of himself with that pathetic punch, so don't lower yourself to that level — just get him out cheaply and move on to the next batsman."

England face Australia in the third Test of the Ashes at Old Trafford from Thursday.

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Australia's David Warner in action during the First Ashes Test match on July 10, 2013
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