Freddie ends final hurrah
And then it finally happened… England’s charismatic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff scored 22 and ended his final knock in Test cricket and was cheered throughout his knock. The final innings was short, occasionally spectacular and over far too soon for all his admiring fans who had come in full attendance at the Oval for Saturday’s third day of the Ashes decider.
The star of England’s 2005 Ashes series win again walked out to a standing ovation from a capacity 23,500 crowd having managed just seven in the first innings before being caught behind off left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson. He came to the crease with England well-placed on 168 for five in their second innings, a lead of 240 in a match where victory would give them the Ashes 2-1. Flintoff was greeted with a handshake by Australia captain Ricky Ponting, a sign of appreciation that probably meant more to the Lancashire star than many of the tributes paid to him this week.
Unlike his first innings, Flintoff got off the mark in resounding fashion when, second ball, he struck part-time spinner Marcus North through mid-wicket for four, getting rid of a close fielder in the process. There were three further boundaries to delight the crowd but just when fans thought Flintoff was about to hit his stride the 31-year-old, going for a typically big hit, skied a drive off North to long-on where Peter Siddle made no mistake with the catch. Spectators were on their feet again, normally a strange reaction to an innings of 22 that lasted 26 minutes and spanned 18 balls, as Flintoff, with a rueful swish of the bat, walked back into the pavilion.
There was no theatrical exit, just a quick glance over his shoulder and a slight raise of his bat to acknowledge the applause, with England captain Andrew Strauss among those clapping in the home dressing room. Flintoff has proved popular with fans ever since making his debut as a 20-year-old against South Africa back in 1998.
Bowling fast and hitting the ball a long way as Flintoff can, has always had a primal appeal to spectators. His popularity with fans and team-mates alike may be out of proportion to his place in cricket history – Flintoff’s average of around the 32 mark with both bat and ball is some way short of greatness. And he has ‘won’ far fewer Tests than England predecessor Ian Botham nor been as influential as Pakistan great Imran Khan, the outstanding all-rounder of the last 25 years.
Well done Freddie, you will always remain one of the most talented stars to have come out of England. Cheers!
