Flintoff dad hits out at Fletcher

Andrew Flintoff's father has admitted the England all-rounder feels betrayed by Duncan Fletcher after comments made in the former coach's autobiography.

The serialisation of Fletcher's book 'Behind the Shades' in the Daily Mail this week has seen the Zimbabwean criticise Flintoff and pundits Sir Ian Botham and Geoffrey Boycott, with comments about Flintoff's drinking habits and off-the-field activities particularly controversial.

And Flintoff's father Colin told the Daily Mail: "These comments from Duncan Fletcher have really upset Andrew. I have spoken to him about this and he is not a happy man.

"The golden rule is that what goes on in the dressing room stays in the dressing room. Fletcher has betrayed Andrew's confidence and broken that rule."

Boycott has also branded Fletcher "a hypocrite" after he accused the outspoken media pundit of levelling "vitriolic" personal criticism at him.

But Boycott told the Daily Telegraph: "After the stuff he has come out with in the last couple of days, I find it ironic that he spent his eight years with England spouting on about loyalty and keeping everything within the team.

"There he was, taking the moral high ground at every opportunity. And as soon as he finishes, what does he do? He gets stuck into Flintoff.

"I have no problem with cricket people writing books, telling the truth, and making some money. I have done it myself. Fine. But it seems a bit rich coming from someone who has made such a big deal about not "talking out of school".

"Fletcher is a hypocrite and he should be ashamed of himself."