It doesn’t happen very often but once in a while there will be an individual who will inspire a whole generation with character and ability.
Paul Gascoigne at Italia 90, John McEnroe in the 1980s, Ian Botham back in the day, and more recently Andrew Flintoff.
His body won’t do it any more (I know the feeling). A few weeks ago, Flintoff came into talkSPORT to meet up with his old mate Goughy, and we had him on the show for over an hour. It was fascinating stuff, and even better, I found myself standing outside as pub round the corner from talkSPORT Towers after the show having a beer with Goughy and Freddie. Surreal.
So just how good was Flintoff?
Two Ashes wins top the cv and Flintoff was key in both. In the 2nd test in 2005 he hit nine sixes scoring 141 over both innings and took seven wickets. And last summer who can forget his amazing pick up and throw to dismiss Ricky Ponting at The Oval? It more or less sealed the Ashes for us.
Flintoff’s injuries took their toll and affected his figures. His stats don’t compare with Botham’s (Botham scored more centuries, took 5for more times, and took ten wickets in a match four times, Flintoff didn’t manage to achieve that feat at all).
But Flintoff’s presence was just as huge as Botham’s, and his impact perhaps even greater. In a world of sport where football is undoubtedly king and cricket has to fight for exposure, Flintoff drifted seamlessly between sportsman and celebrity, and he didn’t even need the help of reality tv to achieve that.
And whilst I’m never one to compare cricketers with footballers, Flintoff has got the hardware to back up his claims to greatness unlike the so-called world class Rooney, Lampard and co. Two Ashes wins are infinitely better than persistent failure in the World Cup and the European Championships.
Thanks for the memories Freddie!