ST PETER’S, April 7: West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards has said England badly need a big performance from Andrew Flintoff in their key World Cup clash against Australia on Sunday.

Flintoff hit the headlines in the Caribbean when he was dropped for the game against Canada and stripped of the vice-captaincy after staying out late drinking following the side's defeat against New Zealand.

Although his bowling has held up — he tops the England averages with nine wickets at just under 15 apiece — Flintoff's batting has been a let down with a mere 45 runs scored from three innings.

“England are going to need him to hit form more than anything else,” said Richards. “It is the perfect opportunity. Especially with some of the stuff that went on.—AFP