Friday, July 17, 2009

Andrew Flintoff to Retire from Test Cricket


Andrew Flintoff has announced that he will retire from test cricket after the ongoing Ashes series; though he intends to remain available for ODIs & T20. The 'Big Freddie', who have missed 25 out of England's last 48 Tests, suffered another soreness & swelling in the same right knee, which rued him out of the IPL Season 2, earlier this summer.

"It's not something I have just thought of overnight, it's something that's been on my mind for a while regarding this series," said Andrew Flintoff. "With the knee flaring up again and getting the injections on Monday, now is a time I felt comfortable with doing it. There's been a lot of speculation over my future for the past few weeks, so I wanted to get it out there, and concentrate on playing cricket. I've had four ankle operations and knee surgery, so my body is telling me things, and I'm actually starting to listen. I can't just play games here and there while waiting to be fit. For my own sanity, and for my family's, I've got to draw a line under it. I've been going through two years of rehab in the past four, which is not ideal."

The Knee injury again came to haunt him when he gave away 128 runs & was managed to take only 1 wicket in the 1st Ashes test at Cardiff.

Meanwhile, England players (both present & current) have hailed 'Freddie' for his achievements, especially for his heroics in the 2005 Ashes series, which Engalnd managed to won.

Surprisingly, since Andrew Flintoff started missing Test cricket from 2005 Ashes series, Engalnd have performed better in his absence. England have won 12, drawn 10 and lost on only three occasions in his absence. In the 23 matches in which he has been present, the numbers are almost exactly reversed - won 3, drawn 7, lost 13.

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