'Lack of IPL exposure is keeping us behind'

Andrew Flintoff has blamed England's dismal show in the ongoing one-day series squarely on their non-participation in the IPL, which he believes has helped Indian players develop their game by leaps and bounds.

Andrew Flintoff has blamed England's dismal show in the ongoing one-day series squarely on their non-participation in the Indian Premier League, which he believes has helped Indian players develop their game by leaps and bounds.

HT Image

"I think through playing the shorter form of the game they (India) have developed new skills with both bat and ball, and we have been found wanting a little bit," Flintoff said.

"Their game has developed through playing Twenty20 cricket, you just have to look at the way the guys hit the ball and the positions they get into. You also look at the bowling skills that Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma have too. They are developing slower balls and yorkers."

The England all-rounder also sought to clarify that the reason for his teamamtes' keenness to play in the IPL was not just the big bucks they could earn through it.

"A few of our players are keen to go to the IPL. The thing that most people write about when they mention the IPL is the financial rewards, but it should also be looked at as something that helps with a player's development," Flintoff told 'Independent'.