With the recent announcement that England’s Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff is set to make a comeback, a range of questions have arisen.
Merely a case of publicity seeking or a genuine cricketing revival?
A worthy enterprise or a foolhardy escapade?
Should he or shouldn’t he?
Coming to a Big Bash franchise near you soon?
If Andrew Flintoff does make a return to professional cricket on Friday when Lancashire host their nearest and dearest, Yorkshire, in the Natwest T20 Blast, it’s fair to say there will be a sizeable media contingent at Old Trafford.
You would expect little else given the profile of the individual concerned and the way a story can escalate these days. Not all of those in attendance will be exploring the cricketing angle.
That is understandable given the fact Flintoff hasn’t graced a sporting arena – a boxing bout at the MEN Arena aside – since the Oval Ashes Test match of August 2009. His public exploits have been restricted to TV shows of varying subject matter.
But while the circus can’t really be prevented, it is the cricket side of the whole episode that will hopefully assume centre stage.
However you choose to look at it, and cynicism will no doubt feature highly, this is one of England’s best ever trying his hand once more at what made him famous in the first place.
He won’t be lining up in the next Ashes series. We’re not looking at a full-scale return.
It’s Twenty20 cricket, a few overs here, an energetic cameo there, and the hope that it can make a decent side that bit better.
If his body holds up, and this is the crux of the matter, then Lancashire have made what could be a fine signing.
Flintoff at 80 per cent of what he can do is comfortably better than the majority who play in the county game, and plenty of overseas players are recruited nowadays who don’t come from the top shelf .
Ignore the argument that he will be taking the place of a younger cricketer, as anybody who is brought in does exactly that anyway.
Just remember that this is Twenty20 – a game that is built, in its entirety, on novelty.
When a format feels the need for, in no particular order, coloured creases, inane MCs, pointless countdowns, cheerleaders, fire-spitting torches, cheesy music, daft team names, flashing bails, incessant advertising and time-outs, then the re-signing of a player deserves to be looked at in a fairer light.
When he does play, and don’t buy all the ‘he’ll have to earn his place’ guff being spouted by Lancashire, Flintoff will throw himself into the task wholeheartedly.
He has little choice if he wants to extend this initial foray into a globe-trotting resurrection, as any scouts from the Big Bash and Caribbean Premier League outfits – potential destinations that have already been mentioned – will need to see that the reality matches the hype.
But all of that is to come and there will be at least one former colleague paying more than a keen eye come Friday evening.
I hope he does well.
JimmyB
Guest
Ask Ponting or Gilchrist or Lara for that matter if they thought Flintoff was overrated.
Kev
Guest
Spot on. Still dining out from one good series a decade ago. Didn't do much else in his career unless you count falling out of a boat as something.
Zach
Guest
Freddie was good for the game of cricket I always liked when he used to play and yes should he be fit and come back crowds will flock to see him again good luck Freddie trust all is good in your comeback
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
maybe this will help you understand why he wants to play again http://m.cricket.com.au/news-list/2014/6/2/andrew-flintoff-contract-gate-receipts
Rob McLean
Guest
Over-rated.
FTR
Guest
If Flintoff returned to first-class cricket, I might give a damn. Twenty20? Not so much.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
You sure he doesn't? He's been a long time away from the limelight. He does reality TV series and advertisements to make a crust. Never heard him even in commentary, let alone coaching.
trev
Guest
He is still much much younger than the likes of Misbah Ul Haq or a Shiv Chanderpaul, and those blokes are playing test cricket. If he can bowl 2 or 3 overs without injury and score a few runs he might be a useful county t20 player.
Brian
Guest
I can't imagine he will be very good. Although an all rounder at his best he wasn't really a great batsman nor an accurate T20 bowler type. Rather a scary bowler who could move the red ball at pace. He'll hardly have his pace and he won't have a red ball. He'll play as a hit and miss batsman, that's fine but he was never that good a batsman.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I don't imagine Freddie needs the readies so why come back after 5 years ? It will be interesting to see how he goes.
Axle an the guru
Guest
England would certainly be a better side with Flintoff and Pieterson in it. He did captain England but he copped a very good Aussie side on the rebound,when Vaughan was injured . However i do think he was a better captain than Cook.
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
Freddie Come to adelaide strikers aka best bbl side mate!
Silver Sovereign
Guest
England could use him as captain if the injuries hadn't stopped him playing the longer version of the game. Could have maybe kept KP in check too. And also England wouldn't have had to suffer Alister Cook as captain
Axle an the guru
Guest
There will be no shortage of offers for him, he would still be playing if it were not for injuries anyway, so good on him.
Shouts Chen
Guest
I think Freddie should sign up for Perth Scorchers this year.
Tatah
Guest
He was always a great cricketer to watch, so that's a good thing. I'll be intrigued to see how he does, albeit in 20/20, after 5 years out. Good luck to him.
Simoc
Guest
He's probably an economically viable proposition at this stage, more so if he can do something. It's about crowds and excitement.
Fadida
Guest
Ping. The sound of an old man's calf exploding :D