ENGLAND all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has put himself forward as the surprise contender to replace John Crawley as Lancashire's new captain for the coming season.

Flintoff has attempted to keep in touch with the turmoil at Old Trafford from Zimbabwe, where he is part of England's one-day squad, and is keen to add his name to the list of contenders following Crawley's decision to step down at the end of last season.

His decision to step forward marks Flintoff's growing development into a more mature, senior player, having been marked down as a less than ideal role model in the past, particularly by England who warned him that his lifestyle could conflict with his desire to become a fully-fledged international cricketer.

A new fitness and diet regime coupled with lengthy sessions with a leading sports psychologist have matured Flintoff, though, and he is now keen to lead a county he has represented for nearly 15 years.

"It's something I'd love to do at Lancashire, I'd love to captain the side," he admitted. "I've played for Lancashire since I was nine and it's something I'd like to do.

"Whether I would do it now is something I'd have to think about if and when I was asked.

"I'm out here in Zimbabwe playing for England at the moment and that's all that's been on my mind, but when I get back on Monday I'll go and find out what's been going on."

As an illustration of his new mature approach, Flintoff has even taken the unique step of phoning England coach Duncan Fletcher to ask if he could be included in the Academy squad due to visit Australia to have their skills honed under the tough guidance of Rod Marsh.

His phone call has resulted in both himself and Middlesex's Owais Shah being added to the party, who leave at the end of next month and will receive intensive coaching from Marsh, Ian Chappell and John Abrahams.

"I rang up Duncan to see if I could go but I think there was a plan for myself and Owais to go anyway," explained Flintoff.

"There will be a lot of time to work on your game with the coaches and I'm excited about going over there and hopefully I will come back a better player."