England star lifts lid on Flintoff impact on cricket return after Top Gear crash

“He’s got a real aura, the way he speaks. He comes up to people individually, pulls them aside and keeps things very simple: he told me he had three balls – a bouncer, a fast yorker and a hard length. He’s great to have around the group, and easy to talk to.”

West Indies icon Kieron Pollard is also with the group as a specialist consultant, with England keen to get the benefit of local knowledge after admitting they made a mistake by not bringing in a local coach for their disastrous 50-over World Cup campaign last year.

“I think he’s still feeling his way into the group,” Wood added of Pollard. “But the little bits he has spoken about, everyone’s listened. He carries an aura and is very respected in the group because he’s done so much and I think knowing the conditions is going to be vital going forward.

“He had mentioned about the pitch yesterday about bowling cutters and the fact that, if you just sort of dib it there, it doesn’t react. You need to drive it in. It’s just little things. It might seem so obvious but those little things people say – the one-percenters – can make a big difference.”

England’s opening game against Scotland was ruined by rain and Jos Buttler’s side are desperate to pick up their first win of the tournament when they face Ashes rivals Australia in Barbados on Saturday.

Australia kicked off their campaign with a 39-run win over Oman, with the retiring David Warner and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis both scoring half-centuries. Stoinis also starred with the ball as he picked up 3-19, with Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa also chipping in with wickets.

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