It’s last orders for Andrew Flintoff. The 18-stone English all-rounder has announced his retirement from Test Match Cricket at the end of this current Ashes Series between England and Australia. Fred, as he is affectionately known throughout the sport, is as well known for his colossal drinking sessions as much as his heroics on the pitch. When he single-handedly bashed the Aussies to win the Ashes for England in 2005, Fred famously went on a 48 hour bender before stumbling straight into 10 Downing Street to meet the then-Prime Minster Tony Blair, who was hosting the whole England squad to honor their achievements.
No wonder Americans are confused with cricket – not only does it take five days, it sometimes doesn’t.
Once this summer’s round of Aussie-thrashing is complete, Flintoff will turn his attention to the less body-bashing forms of God’s Own Sport – i.e. the one day game and 20-20. (No wonder Americans are confused with cricket – not only does it take five days, it sometimes doesn’t. And, yes, ties can be nail-biting!) With the recently formed Indian Premier League offering 20-20 stars pay-days as big as Fred’s drinking prowess, who can blame him for wanting to extend his career in this way? We all win. Punters get to see more Freddy, he gets to earn silly money, and the tabloids can follow his mammoth sessions for years to come. Freddy: we salute you!
Hey good stuff…keep up the good work!