Andrew Flintoff


Andrew "Freddie" FlintoffMBE, (born 6 December 1977 inPrestonLancashire) is an English cricketer who plays forLancashire County Cricket ClubEngland and Indian Premier League team, Chennai Super Kings. A tall (6' 4") fast bowler,batsman and slip fielder, Flintoff according to the ICC rankings was consistently rated amongst the top international allrounders in both ODI and Test cricket. His nickname "Freddie" or "Fred" comes from the similarity between his surname and that of Fred Flintstone, and was first used in the press as a quip because of the issues he had with his weight when he first emerged onto the scene.
Since his debut in 1998, Flintoff has become an integral player for England, and has both captained and vice-captained the team. However, he has suffered regular injuries throughout his international career, often due to his heavy frame and bowling action. During the period from 2007-09 he played only 13 of England's 36 Test matches, but he nevertheless remained a core member of the England squad during this period, being selected whenever available. On July 15 2009 he announced his retirement from Test cricket at the conclusion of the 2009 Ashes series, on August 24, but made himself available for future commitments inOne Day International and Twenty20 International matches.
It was reported on the 7th of September 2009 that Flintoff has developed deep vein thrombosis after surgery to his knee.[1]