Player: | A Flintoff |
Event: | Australia in British Isles 2009 |
DateLine: 21st July 2009
Retiring Andrew Flintoff said regaining the Ashes trophy would be perfect farewell to his Test career. After guiding
 
England to a historic win over Aussies in the second Ashes Test at Lord's, the all-rounder insisted he is determined to play the entire series despite his troublesome knee and help his side lift the Ashes at the end of the fifth and final Test at the Oval. 
"I said before this match that these will be my last four Test matches. To be on that podium at the Oval would, for me, be the perfect way to go," the 31-year-old burly all-rounder said. 
"And the encouraging thing is that I bowled the best part of 40 overs in this Test, and I feel fine apart from a few aches and pains. I may have been in a bit of discomfort, but I have played most of my career in discomfort, so for me that's nothing new," he said. 
Flintoff admitted being a little disappointed to quit Test cricket at a time when he feels he is getting better day by day as a bowler. 
"It's quite sad in some ways. I feel I am getting better as a bowler, so it's unfortunate that my body is not standing up. I'm learning more about how to bowl. 
"My length is naturally short and aggressive, but I've realised that once you have got the batters stepping back, the fuller ball has a bit more threat," said Flintoff, who picked up five wickets for 92 runs in 27 overs to guide England to their first Test win at Lord's in 75 years. 
"Also I'm feeling more comfortable with the new ball. When I was younger I got caught in two minds about whether I should be swinging it or just putting it there, whereas now I just hold it seam up and try to wang it," he added.LATEST SCORES
CURRENT EVENTS
- Afghanistan and Bangladesh in United Arab Emirates 2025/26
- Asia Cricket Council Men's T20I Asia Cup 2025
- Australia in New Zealand 2025/26
- Australia Women in India 2025/26
- China Women's Quadrangular IT20 Series 2025
- England in Ireland 2025
- ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025/26
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2025/26
- ICC Women's World Cup 2025/26
- Namibia in Zimbabwe 2025/26
- Nepal and West Indies in United Arab Emirates 2025
- South Africa Women in Pakistan 2025/26
- West Indies in India 2025/26
View all Current Events CLICK HERE
