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General Cricket => Players => Topic started by: petehosk on May 30, 2014, 08:33:51 AM
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Is this true? :o
Andrew Flintoff has made a sensational return to cricket after confirming he is coming out of retirement to play for Lancashire Lightning in the NatWest T20 Blast.
The former England skipper hung up his boots in September 2010 but, after training with the Red Rose over the last few weeks, the 36-year-old has returned his former county.
"I'm really honoured to be part of Lancashire once again," he said.
"It is something that I never thought would happen but, after training with the squad over the last few months, I am really happy that they have invited me to play.
We are delighted to announce @flintoff11 has come out of retirement to join our @NatWestT20Blast squad #FredIsBack pic.twitter.com/VWAY4hxJGY — Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) May 30, 2014
"I have worked really hard to get back to my fittest and I hope that we have a successful summer. I'm just glad that I can be part of it."
In confirming Flintoff's return, Lancashire did not specify when he was likely to be back in action to boost Glen Chapple's men in their bid to reach finals day at Edgbaston in August.
The Lightning are in Blast action at Emirates Old Trafford tonight when they take on Birmingham Bears, before hosting Roses rivals Yorkshire Vikings next Friday.
Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson said: "We are delighted to have Fred involved once again at the club. He is Lancashire through and through and his record for both club and country speaks for itself.
"Fred has been back at Emirates Old Trafford under his own steam since the winter and has been working with the academy and in the nets with some of the other players.
Still can't quite believe it @LancsCCC . Would be rude not to have a go ! Even more excited 2nd time round ! pic.twitter.com/Bg7fs2pbal — andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) May 30, 2014
"Over a period of time he has picked up on his physical conditioning and this continues to improve. He has shown in practice that he still has plenty of class with bat and ball, and will be a great addition to the NatWest T20 Blast squad."
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This will put a few more bums on seats.Especially If as stated the Yorkshire game next Friday will be his first.Glad Ive already got my tickets
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Genuinely buzzing for this, has to be the main idol from my years of youth cricket
I just hope he doesn't get injured straight away again...
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It sparked a great debate of who would you bring back at each club if you could have any ex pro.
As a Notts fan i'm torn between Hadlee or Sobers.
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Just going to end up being a embarrassment.
Good marketing ploy though
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The qustion is which bat will he be using?!?!?
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The qustion is which bat will he be using?!?!?
Probably SS Ton...few weeks ago he was thanking them for some kit
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He's sponsored by TON I believe - going to the Worcs/Lancs in July so I'm hoping he's still going by then...
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Also posted a picture of his Spartan bat I think a couple of days back?
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Did he not have a 'life' sponsorship with Puma?
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I think the schedule works for Flintoff. 4 overs of bowling once a week with a week to recover. His early retirement (by cricketing standards) has probably allowed him to recover enough to play some cricket. I wouldn't expect him to be doing IPL anytime soon!
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Also posted a picture of his Spartan bat I think a couple of days back?
Saw a picture of him in full Spartan Kit the other day, but can't for the life of me find it now!
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Also posted a picture of his Spartan bat I think a couple of days back?
This was something to do with Tom Maynard trust, I thought he'd bought it as part of a charity auction or something.
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Ah I see, lets getting tweeting him to ask!
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Just going to end up being a embarrassment.
Good marketing ploy though
He has been quite honest in a couple of interviews. He says that people like Hogg, Hodge and Glen Chappell are older and still playing. He also was disappointed about not being picked for the MCC games when older players were.
He did say that his performances may not be up to scratch but it was worth a shot.
Better to try and fail than not try at all.
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His skills must be up to scratch, otherwise i can't imagine a professional sports team, let alone one leading the league, would bring him in for a marketing ploy.
Man United wouldn't let David Beckham back to play in the Premier League would they?
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Sae him batting last year and although he was facing kids was still effortlessly hitting sixes, until he nailed one my way and I managed to catch him out!
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It sparked a great debate of who would you bring back at each club if you could have any ex pro.
As a Notts fan i'm torn between Hadlee or Sobers.
Clive Rice would be a good third option
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His skills must be up to scratch, otherwise i can't imagine a professional sports team, let alone one leading the league, would bring him in for a marketing ploy.
Man United wouldn't let David Beckham back to play in the Premier League would they?
In a T20, how much worse is he going to be than one of the stiffs that most counties wheel out? Realistically, none. So for limited risk, Lancashire stick 10k on their takings from each home game...
Good business if you ask me. Aside from which, I'm kinda looking forward to it - Freddie is a legend but one who cannot embarrass himself any more than he already has with his boxing and TV work!
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Looked to be hitting in hard on the bowling machine!
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In a T20, how much worse is he going to be than one of the stiffs that most counties wheel out? Realistically, none. So for limited risk, Lancashire stick 10k on their takings from each home game...
Good business if you ask me. Aside from which, I'm kinda looking forward to it - Freddie is a legend but one who cannot embarrass himself any more than he already has with his boxing and TV work!
Wouldn't surprise me if sky are also paying him to boost ratings for a failing t20 tournament despite the rebranding and all the promotion.
Perfect example is the game on at the moment, very poor quality
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Looked to be hitting in hard on the bowling machine!
Also believe he is bowling at a decent lick as well and he bowls a very heavy ball. His bowling was his stronger suit in my opinion so as was said 4 overs with a weeks break is a good option.
Can't wait to see him playing again.
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Cheeky £10 bet he plays T20 for England again anyone?? ;)
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This is absolutely terrific.
He is in much better shape now as he was in past, he is much somber and wiser now.
He is just 36, Misbah Ul Haq is a captain at age of 40 so why can't he play considering he is most if the has ever been in his life!
Surely, form is temporary and class is permanent.
Excited to see him in action!
Would love to have him in England side, heck I'd have broken hand Freddie instead of Bopara!!
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Saw him training last night out in the middle at the Lancashire game, appeared in as good a fitness as most there. Was hoping he'd do some bowling but he kept to the fielding :(. I think Lancashire have a small problem with who to drop with the form they're in :d.
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The qustion is which bat will he be using?!?!?
Bet you it will be spartan
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Bet you it will be spartan
I'm sure I saw somewhere it will be a Ton (might have been in one of Jake's topics)
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Spartan tweeted today he's signed for them
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He used spartan In the game he played yesterday
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Found it! I might be wrong but at least I did see it somewhere ;)
Pleased to announce that along with Lords, Pro Direct Cricket, Talent Cricket, and Somerset County Sports we will be exclusive stockists of the new TON Legacy bat.
The bat is available in very limited numbers in the UK for 2014, it will progress to become the flagship range with different grades and price points for 2015.
It will be used by Sangakarra, Ravi Bop and any other TON sponsored players (Indian players unconfirmed yet) playing in the England v Sri Lanka & England v India series this Summer. A certain Freddie Flintoff will also be using the Legacy when he returns to club cricket and if rumours are true, the professional game this Summer.
These very exclusive bats arrived into the UK today and we are going tomorrow to handpick our allocation. Anyone who wants one should contact me ASAP as these are in very short supply (less than 100) - I believe we will be the first retailer to pick our stock but i do not know for sure, so don't want to make any false claims.
All retailers will be selling them at £200. We offer free delivery and i will knock the bat in for free as an offer to forum members.
Here is a little preview, proper pictures of our stock will be posted tomorrow.
([url]http://i.imgur.com/rmRIujxl.png[/url])
Edit, here is a picture of the bat to show the shape, you can see a few examples in the background showing the quality of grains etc. All bats weigh 2'8 - 2'10.
([url]http://i.imgur.com/d3TsSSYl.png[/url])
([url]http://i.imgur.com/OE1iZual.png[/url])
([url]http://i.imgur.com/dC0Qmbzl.png[/url])
([url]http://i.imgur.com/eOpC2Ugl.png[/url])
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He bowled 12 overs on Saturday and scored 2 from 3 balls.
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Another model for Spartan to add to their range...
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Another model for Spartan to add to their range...
The Spartan AF backagain range ;)
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http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097796 (http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097796)
Doubt Spartan will be too happy with him using a GM Six6 today! Love the old school woodworm helmet too.
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[url]http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097796[/url] ([url]http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097796[/url])
Doubt Spartan will be too happy with him using a GM Six6 today! Love the old school woodworm helmet too.
Everything is a different make! #Village
I wonder if he used an England lid for his club match :D
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He's pictured with another bat, so maybe he broke it and just borrowed someone's six6
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Yes he did wear the England lid for his game for St Annes
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His first bat broke so switched to someone's GM. Anyone know what sticker is in the middle on the first bat? http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-during-the-second-news-photo/450098302 (http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-during-the-second-news-photo/450098302)
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Tom Maynard Trust sticker
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Nice straight arm ;)
http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-bowls-during-the-news-photo/450096312 (http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-bowls-during-the-news-photo/450096312)
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Not made the squad for tommorow
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Now also using a GM!
http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097624 (http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097624)
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Now also using a GM!
[url]http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097624[/url] ([url]http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/andrew-flintoff-of-lancashire-second-xi-plays-a-shot-during-news-photo/450097624[/url])
His bat broke mate
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His bat broke mate
I see!
Looks like Spartan gloves and SS pads?
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I don't know if anyone else is watching the derby but if somebody has the technologic expertise and saw the camera shot of Andrew Flintoff on the balcony it's probably an-almost-caption-competitionesque photo as he looked like combination of a golf caddy and a rapper. Clearly he's now sponsoring parts of his body. And lost all sense of shame. The cash cow has been milked dry me thinks.....
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I see he is only in the squad as cover tonight against Northants with Usman Khawaja and Wayne White.I wonder if/when he will play?