Flintoff eyes fresh start
London - Bad news is not my forte, I'm more of a blind-optimism kind of guy. But there were twin omens of doom for English cricket fans searching for a fresh start in Regent's Park on Monday.
England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was there to launch Asda's initiative for the nation's primary school children. But with just three days to go before the summer's first Test against the West Indies at nearby Lord's, the rain hammered down under a brooding, gun-metal sky. Not good news with a similar forecast for the rest of the week.
The second portent was equally gloomy, at least for those intent on reading far too much into things. Like journalists.
There he was, brave Freddie, clad in just t-shirt and shorts, shoulders hunched against the elements, striding to join in with one of the half a dozen Kwik Cricket games involving a couple of hundred green-shirted school kids from London. So far, so good.
But in weather almost requiring a pedalo to get back to the pavilion, Flintoff was out first ball.
He took guard with his blue plastic bat and immediately slashed at a wide one outside off-stump, sending the yellow ball straight into the safe hands of a mop-haired youngster standing at cover.
It wasn't at all deliberate, though the catch he offered to mid-off four balls later might have been. But a grinning Freddie stayed out there for another half an hour, bowling a bit, umpiring a bit, posing for photos and high-fiveing everyone within reach.
Soaked to the skin, he finally returned to the sanctity of the cafe housing the valiant pressmen. But as he sat there waiting for the news conference to start, all I could think was, "Can somebody get him a dry shirt?"
Eventually, Flintoff's manager Neil Fairbrother walked in, and like a mother hen, plucked at Freddie's top and gestured to a dry one nearby.
"I'm all right," said Fred.
But the immediate thought was, "We, the cricketing nation, will be the judge of that, my son. Get a blanket over you."
If Flintoff goes down with flu before Thursday you'll know why.
Things didn't get any better during the "presser" as Freddie announced his ankle was still giving him some gip and that he was only .
Freddie was, though, optimistic about his form after a disappointing World Cup with the bat. He said he spent a week in the Caribbean after England's demise to take stock, and has since played twice for Lancashire, scoring a couple of 60s.
"Staying in the West Indies gave me some time to reflect about what had gone on over the winter and, more importantly, how to move on from there and how I'm going to get back to playing my best cricket. I feel I'm going in the right direction," he said.
"The bowling does seem to take care of itself for the time being and the emphasis has been more on batting. I've worked hard and it seems to be coming back a bit now.
"I've by no means cracked it, or am where I want to be, but I'm a lot happier about how I'm playing now than I was a month ago. I'm feeling confident about walking out to the crease."
So that's good then.
In fact, if bad news does come in threes, maybe we've already had our dose, what with the rain, the first-ball catch and the ankle.
For instance, as we splashed back to the tube station, my colleague James Gill of the London Paper found a soggy fiver on the floor.
They say every cloud has a silver lining - but sometimes you'll find they're green. Roll on the summer.
Nice spelling...
Complain about this postPossibly the worst blog I have ever read.
To sum it all up.....WTF?!
Complain about this postThank you for finding my lost fiver - please let me know where I can pick it up.
Complain about this postBut in weather almost requiring a pedalo to get back to the pavilion, Flintoff was out first ball.
He took guard with his blue plastic bat and immediately slashed at a wide one outside off-stump, sending the yellow ball straight into the safe hands of a mop-haired youngster standing at cover.
LOL, THIS IS A FUNNY ARTICLE. IS EVERYONE ELSE READING ANOTHER ARTICLE?
Complain about this postI would be interested to know how many English first class cricketers there are.
Complain about this postAre there thousands? If so, why do the selectors keep on picking Vaughan and Flintoff? Freddy lost his way in international cricket ever since that injury. In any sport some players can easily switch to the international game. Others can be number one in their own team, but when it comes to the international game, they can't handle it. Of course Freddy has shown us some fantastic batting in his past international games. Only Botham was better. But Flintoff has had his day as far as international cricket is concerned. His injuries have gone to his head. I hope I'm wrong.
David
Apologies for my earlier comments, 成人快手 must have put up a draft of your blog by mistake and not put a spell check on it!
I hear Freddie may be fit to bat, but not to bowl on Thursday. If thats the case, then what use does he have? After he inevitably holes out to mid-wicket, we'll be asking why Shah wasn't given a chance.
Complain about this postFlu is caused by a virus, not being cold. The reason that 'catching a cold' is associated with low temperatures is that you tend to stay indoors when it is cold outside. That puts you into closer proximity with others, in the warm, and that's great for transmitting viruses. In fact, low temperatures stimulate the immune system, so there is no problem with being wet. What he should have done to avoid infection is stay away from the kids!
Complain about this postMorning all!
Apologies to Pezza, Steve and anyone else who caught the accidental publishing of my draft blog. Hopefully it was taken down pretty smartish - but clearly not smartish enough to catch you lot out!
Complain about this postA 100% Flintoff is a huge asset for England. Hope he gets all aspects of his act together...I quite like watching his game, when on song.
Complain about this postHow fickle can we get? Andrew Flintoff is a national treasure, showing his commitment by attending this event. (And this comes from a Yorkshire fan.)
Give the man some space!
Complain about this postIs Flintoff still playing for England? Why?
Complain about this postOh so it does happen; for the 成人快手 to publish a draft blog instead of the real thing. That explains a lot of things about Martin Gough's Blogs during the world cup.
Complain about this postIn response to Douglas Lee, because he is our best bowler and has been for some time. Yes his batting is going through a tough time, but he would get picked on his bowling alone.
Complain about this postFlintoff is the man, but the reality is hes a very social and outgoing person (hence St Lucia), and his best mate is Steve Harmison.
Why is this relevant? I'll tell you why.
Harmi didnt play in the World Cup: Flintoff played terribly. Do you see?
If Harmi starts playing well, i bet my bottom dollar that Flintoff will raise his game and vice versa.
Anyone fancy that wager for this summer? I am betting that they will be our star performers.
Complain about this postIf you've got any rain to spare, please send it
down to Aus.
It's not cricket season here, and we're running out of water.
(any cold weather you could spare would be nice too - summer seems to have forgotten when to leave)
Complain about this post