Freddie Flintoff to quit..

[max_tranmere]

I heard this today. Apparently he is retiring from the 5-dayers, but will stay on for the one day games. Do people think England's international quality of play will suffer as a result of this?

[Jonone]

Freddie wants to prolong a career which is potentially ever more lucrative with 20/20 and IPL.

When the West Indian captain spoke of his preference for cricket formats other than test matches he was vilified, but it has paved the way for Freddie's announcement and if he has a good test he'll bow-out with backslaps and blessings. Their motivations are probably the same - 5 dayers are longer, less conclusive, more wear and tear on the body and crucially they restrict and limit one's participation in the more lucrative formats.

[Trumpton]

max_tranmere wrote:

> Do people think England's international quality of play will suffer as a
> result of this?

No. Flintoff is an overrated player. His bowling average is higher than his batting average. Whilst he always gave 100% on the field, he also gave 100% off the field with his heavy drinking.

[max_tranmere]

He will probably become a commentater like many do.

[max_tranmere]

Today, the first two England batsmen got the highest first partnership score in the history of England/Australia cricket. That is quite an achievement!

[Trumpton]

max_tranmere wrote:

> He will probably become a commentator like many do.

The only problem with this is that it would make serious indents into his alcohol consuming time.

[jj]

He looks more like he's been eating vodka pies.

[Dave Wells]

This is bollocks ! If it's to painful to bowl - don't ! Play as a batsman.