England pace bowler Stuart Broad believes Andrew Strauss’s side are finally able enough to function without all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

Flintoff is recovering from a knee operation after getting injured during the IPL and remains in doubt for the World Twenty20. For too long, Flintoff’s absence has been greeted as a sign that England are destined for failure. But Broad is convinced England have adapted to Flintoff’s absences so well they can perform without him.

“We’ve certainly won well without Fred in the past, but it’s important we play good cricket,” Broad said. “He’s obviously a very important player for us with bat and ball but players step up and take responsibility when he’s not here, that’s very important. We need to gain confidence of winning without Fred so when he comes back into the side there will be a lot of belief and confidence.

“It’s obviously a very short series (against the West Indies) but winning is very important all the time just to keep momentum going,” Broad added. “When Fred gets fit he will obviously slot back in and hopefully buy into how we’re doing it.”

England are expected to decide on Flintoff’s participation later this week and, unless his fitness has improved greatly, Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan is expected to be named as his replacement.