Flintoff set to bow out on biggest stage of all
August 19, 2009
The man so often referred to as England’s talisman, Andrew Flintoff, is set to play his final Test for England this week at the Oval.
Quite apart from it being Flintoff’s farewell appearance in white clothing – he is still available for one-day internationals and Twenty20 – it is also an Ashes decider, so there is no bigger stage for the Lancashire all-rounder to bow out on.
With the series at 1-1, England must win to regain the Ashes as Australia are the holders following their 5-0 victory in 2006-07. As ever, the presence of Flintoff is vital for the team, if only because his all-round abilities allow them to play five bowlers without having too long a tail.
Speaking about his chances of playing, Flintoff said:
“I’ve been working with (physio) Dave Roberts, had some batting over the weekend, and bowled on Tuesday. I’m confident I’ll come through. I’m probably in a better state than I was going into the third Test at Edgbaston. I think I’m more or less there, I just have to prove it.”
After an innings defeat at Headingley, where Flintoff didn’t play, England will be hoping he will return. Fairy stories are rare in top level sport, but would anyone bet against a man who, like Botham, seems to have his own personal scriptwriter drawing out his career?
