Thursday 20 August 2009

Strauss lauds Flintoff

Andrew Strauss believes the retiring Andrew Flintoff cannot be judged on statistics alone - and hopes there is one final match-winning display remaining.
Flintoff is due to begin his 79th and final Test against Australia at the Brit Oval on Thursday, where England must win to regain the Ashes.
His troublesome right knee will be assessed before England name their XI but his anticipated return will provide its usual lift in the home ranks.
"I don't believe you rate someone purely on their stats, you rate them on their contribution to team victories and to the game of cricket - and in those two senses Fred has been a massive player for us," said Strauss.
"He's obviously a huge character as well and I don't think the bare stats do justice to the man.
"He's earned the right to be considered one of the best players in my generation and he's earned it because he has put in big performances at just the right time. Hopefully he can do that once more and lead us to victory."
Flintoff missed Headingley due to injury but with the Ashes still alive, Strauss wants him to bring control rather than distraction in his farewell to Test cricket.

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