Buzzin Cricket

andrew flintoff - ashes 2009 cardiff

With England in such fine form since winning the Ashes last year, the name of Andrew Flintoff has been all but forgotten, temporarily at least.

The 32 year old all rounder has spent the past few months out of the cricket headlines, continuing his rehabilitation in Dubai, but it is still unclear whether surgery will put him back on the road to recovery or end his career altogether.

On a flying visit to Manchester from his Middle East base, Flintoff was understandably cagey when questioned about his future plans.

Although he has stated in the past about his desire to become a ‘freelance’ player and pick and choose when and where he played, several months on Flintoff appears unsure as to if and when he will be back playing cricket, at any level.

He told reporters in Manchester that his first task would be to get fit enough to be considered for the Lancashire County team, but was non committal on when that might be possible, despite being on record as targeting July or August in previous reports.

Flintoff clearly has a long slog ahead of him, something that he made quite clear in Manchester, saying:

“The goals at this stage are pretty short term. I’ve got to get back running first and then get a bat in my hand and a ball and take it from there. A lot’s been said about freelance cricket, and playing here there and everywhere – and I’d like to. There’s been chat about playing for an Australian side and various things. That’s all in the future. I’ve got some hard yards ahead of me in the next few months to be in position to do any of that.”

Lets hope that ‘Freddie’ can make a full recovery, for me, as a Twenty/20 freelancer the Indian Premier League would be the ideal final destination for one of England’s all time great players.