BREAKING NEWS- Flintoff to retire from test cricket.....

....after the ashes.

http://www.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/414514.html

Sorry. I was beaten to it on the other thread.

Makes sense really, his body has been through a hell of a lot and the way it's going he would never make the next Ashes down under at this rate.

Henry wrote:Sorry. I was beaten to it on the other thread.

It deserves it's own.

I blame Mr Robby myself....

Poor timing imho

It does make sense, but does he really need to announce it in the middle of an ashes series? The rest of the series will now become one big ''farewell Freddie" fest, and it could distract the England team.


On the other hand, it could inspire England to pull their socks up. We'll have to wait and see.

taipan wrote:Poor timing imho

Yes, thinking about it, it is....

rats, sinking ships anyone?

We sunk long ago.

I can't imagine the Oval being his last test. More likely it'll be this one or Edgbaston, such is his injury record.

True. But poor form. Probably won't be the last guy to ditch tests for something else though.

It reminds us of the effort these quicks put into the game and how much their bodies suffer after years of torture. He's such a big man, the strain on his ankles and knees must be extraordinary.

I like Flintoff - even if he thinks he's Moses, hehe - and I think his character and persona will be missed.

But if he's simply saving his ravaged body for the IPL I take it all back and put a hex upon his sorry soul.

Not in Bothams class of course but does this mean anyone who bowls that can hold a bat will now be declared the 'new Freddie Flintoff' ?

what will become of the Flintoff > Jesus debate?

I'm not sure why some think the timing is poor.

There'd be endless speculation anyway, and it may well free him up to have a blast for the rest of the series. I'd have thought a pressure-free Flintoff is something of an asset. He'll want to go out in style.

Stuart Broad?

JKLever wrote:Not in Bothams class of course but does this mean anyone who bowls that can hold a bat will now be declared the 'new Freddie Flintoff' ?

I suspect he'll be considered an equivalent of Chris Cairns. Another all rounder plagued with endless injuries.

He's a different style of cricketer of course but I think Swann has the best chance of emulating Flintoff in the next couple of years with his bubbly spin bowling and stroke filled cameos at 7 and 8.

How sad. Right decision, but still sad.

JKLever wrote:I blame Mr Robby myself....

I think Dello pushed him into it. Anything to boost the post count

Demelza wrote:How sad. Right decision, but still sad.

It kinda coincides with you carrying his pic on ur avatar.

will this see an end to the 'Is flintoff Jesus' threads ?

Henry wrote:He's a different style of cricketer of course but I think Swann has the best chance of emulating Flintoff in the next couple of years with his bubbly spin bowling and stroke filled cameos at 7 and 8.

Not if he serves up the shat he did in the last test - it was like his rank twin brother was out there in his place...

Good Luck to Flintoff in his future endeavours.