Andrew Flintoff has been appointed Lancashire's vice-captain for next season. The 24-year-old all rounder, who flies out to India on Thursday with England's one-day squad, will serve under new skipper Warren Hegg.

`Freddie' said: "This is an honour for me and I'm looking forward to working with Warren and the Cricket Manager Mike Watkinson. It should be an interesting season. The team is going through a transitional period, but there is still plenty of experience around and some good young players knocking on the door. Hopefully we can help to bring them through."

Watkinson said: "It is an important appointment. Warren will have his work cut out as captain, wicketkeeper and batsman and `Freddie' will take some of the weight off him. He is usually associated with his individual efforts in trying to cement his England place, but he is a sound and loyal clubman who also has a sharp cricketing brain."

Flintoff made his Lancashire debut seven years ago and is now aiming to establish himself as an England Test regular after featuring prominently on the recent tour of India.

© Lancashire CCC