Friday 5th September 2008
Flintoff saddened by Cork exit
Andrew Flintoff has expressed his disappointment at Lancashire's decision to release veteran all-rounder Dominic Cork at the end of the season.
Lancashire announced three weeks ago that 37-year-old Cork, who moved to Old Trafford in 2003 after forging his career with Derbyshire, would be allowed to leave to give more opportunities to younger players.
All-rounder Flintoff, Lancashire's most high-profile player, said: "I've enjoyed playing with Dominic over the years and I wish I was playing with him again next year. I was very surprised to hear he was being released and I think Lancashire should have kept him on."
He added: "If you look at that side, players like Dominic are among the leaders and I'd have him as one of the first names on my team sheet.
"It's not just the way he bowls, but it's his presence on the field as well and I'm sure there will be a lot of counties chasing him.
"The best thing that could happen is for someone to turn around and tell him we've made a mistake and keep him at Lancashire, but I'm not sure that is going to happen."
