Flintoff: My body has told me it’s time to quit Tests
ENGLAND’S Ashes preparations took a shock turn yesterday when talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff announced the current series would be his last in Test cricket.
Ahead of today’s second clash with Australia at Lord’s, Flintoff said persistent injury problems over the last four years had forced him to reduce his workload.
The 31-year-old will continue to represent England in one-day internationals and Twenty20, play at county level for Lancashire, and turn out for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Flintoff, a hero of the 2005 Ashes triumph, is also hopeful of being fit to play in the second Test and the rest of the series.
But he conceded the demands of a full England schedule would put too much strain on a body that has been ravaged by a series of injuries.
“My body has told me it’s time to stop,” Flintoff said. “I’ve been through four ankle operations, I had knee surgery just a couple of months ago and had three jabs in my knee on Monday just to get me right for this Test.
“Excuse the pun, but it’s not a knee-jerk reaction, it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. For my own sanity I can’t keep going through rehabilitation – I think I’ve done two years in the past four.”
Flintoff defended the timing of his announcement and vowed to devote himself to the remaining four matches of the series.
“I just wanted to get it out there. I think the time is right,” he added. “I’ll give my utmost for England to try and contribute to an Ashes win.”
England, meanwhile, have batsman Kevin Pietersen fit for the second Test after an injection in his Achilles. Australia are again without fast-bowler Brett Lee.
England captain Andrew Strauss said Flintoff’s Test retirement had not surprised the squad, adding: “We respect his decision and hope he can go out with a bang.”
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said the tourists took a different view. He said: “We’re a little bit surprised to tell you the truth. We’re all eager now to see if he’s fit to play in the game tomorrow.”