Flintoff looks to bright future

5 September 2008

Andrew Flintoff has made an effort to enjoy his cricket since returning from injury

Andrew Flintoff is convinced the dark days of his career have helped him develop into an improved cricketer who is better equipped than ever to aid England’s development as a Test and one-day side.

The 30-year-old Lancashire all-rounder has enjoyed an impressive return to the international ranks after over a year on the sidelines recovering from a fourth ankle operation and a side strain.

Having started slowly in the npower Test series against South Africa, he delivered some of his best performances in years to win the man-of-the-series award during England’s 4-0 NatWest Series romp after finishing as the leading wicket-taker and run-scorer.

He has also become an important influence in the dressing room for the younger players, passing on advice and effectively becoming new captain Kevin Pietersen’s right-hand man both on and off the pitch.

Flintoff said: “I think I’m a better cricketer for those dark times and a better person.

“When you experience tough times, the better times are that much sweeter.

“I was sitting on the balcony at Lord’s the other day after we’d won and one of the lads asked if I’d enjoyed it.

“I’d been through a whole host of things just to be sitting there with a man-of-the-match award and playing for a side that’s 4-0 up in a series against South Africa, so I just couldn’t stop smiling.

“It’s a complete reversal from six months ago and I suppose that all goes back to enjoyment. I’m absolutely loving it at the moment.”

During his long periods away from the game, Flintoff promised himself that he would enjoy every new day he was given as a cricketer, having gone through four ankle operations and four rehabilitation periods to get to this point.

Flintoff was man of the match at Lord's in the fourth NatWest Series one-day international

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He revealed: “One of the things I was determined to do when I came back into international cricket was that I wanted to enjoy it.

“I knew there was going to be pressure on me but cricket’s not life or death; it’s a game and it’s to be enjoyed.

“Possibly for a period I lost that enjoyment. I’m in a privileged position because I’m playing cricket for England but I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts and it always helps when you’re doing well. I’m in a very good place at the moment.

“There were a lot of different circumstances which dictated I wasn’t enjoying my cricket as much as I should have done.

“There was what happened in the World Cup and when you’re not playing well or injured it’s very tough.

“I’m now coming back after my fourth operation so all this is almost like a bonus. I don’t know how long I’ll play for but I’m determined to enjoy it while it lasts.”

His return has been so successful he is once again up with the biggest heroes in English cricket after tougher times even before his injury lay-off.

That included England’s 5-0 Ashes series defeat in 2006-7 under his captaincy and a breach of discipline at the 2007 World Cup which saw him dropped for the group match against Canada.

Flintoff is well aware how his fortunes could change quickly, particularly with a challenging one-day and Test tour of India to come this winter.

“It can quickly shift from hero to public enemy number one in the space of a week,” he conceded.

“I care a lot about playing cricket and I care a lot about playing for England. I’ve not always gone about it the right way every time, but my desire to do well has always been there.

Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen have fed off one another's performances since they were reunited in the international arena

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“When you’re playing well everyone wants to give you a slap on the back, but I’m not kidding myself because I know there will be times when I’m not playing as well. I’m happy in the knowledge now about how much it means to me and how much I have to work to try and perform.”

Pietersen must also take some credit for galvanising Flintoff into what he describes as “some of the best cricket I’ve ever seen him play”, and the Lancastrian concedes the new set-up has been a contributory factor in his resurgence.

“I think I’ve found my perfect role within the side,” added Flintoff. “I’ve had a go at captaincy and I think now in my own way I can lead.

“Kevin is obviously the captain and he’s in charge, but I can help by passing on some of the things I’ve learnt to the younger lads, especially the bowlers, and I can be there for Kevin to give advice if he needs it.

“It also allows me to get on with my game as well. Kev has spoken to me and a few of the senior players about getting involved and helping and I’m keen to do that, and this role I’ve been given now is one I feel very comfortable with.”