Photo: Rui Vieira/PA

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff will be cherished as the best all-rounder in the history of English Cricket  after Ian Botham. He will also be remembered for bringing back the crowds to the cricketing arenas, when football dominated England. When he signs off from test cricket, on 24^th August 2009, the final day of the Oval Test, it will mark the end of an era, which has been the lifeblood of English cricket for a long time.

Flintoff, in the early days of his career, demonstrated more than a glimpse of his talent. His, then bulky body, had triggered several injury concerns, which put him in the sidelines. He came back strongly after shedding a few pounds, which rejuvenated his career and eventually helped in sealing an Ashes triumph in their home soil after a decade.

The presence of Flintoff has always benefited England irrespective of his fitness and performance. His composed stature at the crease and the aggressive fast bowling has always recalled the memories of Ian Botham, who was of this pedigree. It will definitely be a huge blow for English Cricket as they lose one of the great players in their history of the game. It will be hard to find a genuine all rounder like Freddie who can turn the match around in the blink of an eye.

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