Andrew Flintoff has quit from all forms of cricket after struggling for over a year with knee injuries and failing to overcome them. imagë>
Flintoff’s last game for England was the last Test of the 2009 Ashes, which England won. In a statement released yesterday, the all rounder said that he made the decision the previous day after he had consulted with his medical advisers. The decision came after he was informed that he can longer be suited to the rigors of modern day cricket and the injuries have already taken a toll on his knees.
Flintoff, affectionately known as Freddie, was a vital cog in the English Test and ODI squads. However, his stats understate his importance to the team which, at one point, relied too much on him to provide breakthroughs. He was a brilliant fast bowler who could swing the ball both ways, but was more dangerous when he bowled to left handers, especially when he came around the wicket. As a batsman, he could change a match on his day, with his big hitting. However, his batting form dipped after an early promise and he became a better bowler later on.
The Lancashire based cricketer, played 79 Tests for England scoring 3845 runs at an average of 31.77. He also played in 141 ODIs, scoring 3394 runs at 32.01 per game. He was also a wonderful slip fielder and catcher and he has 52 catches in Tests and 47 in ODIs.
His finest moment as a cricketer came in the 2005 Ashes in England, which the English team won beating Australia 2-1. He was instrumental with both bat and ball, scoring vital runs and picking up vital wickets when needed. His finest moment as a captain came in the 2007 tri series in Australia, in which he captained the side to a famous victory in the finals.