Flintoff: 2009 win would beat 2005
ENGLAND all-rounder Andrew Flintoff believes a series-clinching victory in this week’s final Ashes Test would eclipse even the achievements of the class of 2005.
Flintoff, part of the side that beat Australia to claim the urn four years ago, expects to be fit enough to take the field tomorrow for the decider at the Oval.
And the 31-year-old insists conquering his chronic knee injury and the squad’s erratic form of recent months would make success this time round even sweeter.
“If we won this one it would be a far greater achievement than 2005. That was fantastic. But the side had performed well over a period of time, beaten everyone in the world, and we came in against Australia expecting to win,” said Flintoff.
“I’m not saying we’re not doing that this time, but the side’s gone through a lot over the past 12 months and has changed a hell of a lot. From my point of view, with the injuries I’ve gone through to be here, this will be a far greater achievement.”
Injury means Flintoff will end his Test career after the Ashes showdown, but the Lancashire man, who inspired England’s second Test win, is refusing to be distracted by knee concerns.
“I must put that to the back of my mind,” Flintoff added. “Then after the Test match, I’ll probably go and see the specialist again and look at a longer-term plan.”