Give it to me big boy
Sure it would be easy to discount the wickets of Phil Hughes and Simon Katich from Freddie’s performance, however Flintoff’s brilliance transcends Rudi’s howlers. I’d like to think it was Fred’s aura that blurred Rudi’s view of the front foot line, and his presence that persuaded Rudi to forsake consistancy and just adjudicate the Strauss “catch” out. Well, either his precense or his presents, either way Hansie would be proud of his countrymen.
In remembering this outstanding bowling performance it should not be forgetten that he legitimately dismissed a wicket keeper and two bowlers, a phenomonal effort for a bowler passed fit by England’s medical staff just 4 mornings earlier.
Then there was the spirit in which he bowled his fiery 10 over spell, surely this is the stuff of which legends are made. That he celebrated his wickets like an ‘outraged camp duck’ shouldn’t take the gloss away from this memorable performance.
Freddie deserves to be eulogised and immortalised, though probably not as much as the 62 English bowlers who have superior innings figures at Lords (even after including Rudi’s freebies).
Here’s some thumbnails of Freddie accepting the well deserved praise that came with his 6 wickets…
Good post mate, the reaction over here has been typically over the top. I don’t know if I can cope with 3 more Tests of Freddie man love from the media. In particular “f*ck yeah I’m good” posturing after the last 2 wickets whilst chewing gum like like a slack jawed yokel did nothing to endear him to me.
Stuart Coull’s last blog post..Reaction from Down Under
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It was a great performance from Flintoff. Cant believe he will be retiring soon
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OK so we should be 1-1 at this stage but credit to Flintoff he was awsome. Ok Australia had some rough decisions but that is cricket!
They will bounce back, their batting is just too good and don’t forget Bret Lee
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Moses Reply:
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Freddie bowled a good spell no doubt, though it’s hardly the greatest spell in the history of English cricket. Even giving him full credit for all 5 wickets it’s the 62nd best english performance at Lords!
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An article of typical Australian superiority-complex. How many times in the history of cricket have Aussies been at the victims of wrong decisions, compared to vast majority they benefitted against their opponents? Bledy hell !!
You can claim grounded catches, cry like babies if someone gives back to your sledging, bypass umpire and talk to opponent batsman to walk off the field if umpire overrules your appeal, swear and call names, and what not, to win a match !!! But even a fraction towards you is not taken in the SPIRIT OF CRICKET ??!!
Keep claiming that you play hard and fair, while you play hardly fair !!
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Moses Reply:
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I’m guessing about 50%
I’m not complaining about the umpiring here, I did that yesterday. What I am doing is attempting to avoid praising Flintoff for umpires mistakes. He got out a keeper and two bowlers, woop de fucking doo!
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Tell it like it is Moses
gagger’s last blog post..Australian Schoolboys: a new generation
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Come on lads put this one behind us, give Flintoff credit and move on to the third test!
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Not happy with the original ‘Jesus Pose’ from 2005 (didn’t see many in 2007), I was impressed that Freddie had mixed it up a bit with the all new “one knee Jesus pose”. I even attempted one in his honour during my indoor cricket game on tuesday – I can tell you it’s not easy. He must practice at home.
I was absolutely astounded that he won man of the match. Anybody that scores 161 on the first day of a test and captains his side to an historic win definately deserves the gong. (Freddie did bowl brilliantly though)
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Andrew Flintoff rolled back the year to help England take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes Series, at Lord’s this week.
Flintoff claimed his maiden 5 wicket haul at Lord’s as England won an Ashes Test Match at the home of Cricket
Prior to the Lord’s Test Match Flintoff announced that he is to retire from Test Cricket at the conclusion of this year’s Ashes series.
Flintoff however insisted that he intends to carry on playing ODIS and Twenty20 Cricket at the highest level.
Flintoff has been pivotal for England with both bat and ball for a number of years, indeed the Lancashire all rounder was man of the series for England in the 2005 Ashes Series.
In the past 2 years Flintoff’s career has been plagued with injuries, and he is a slight doubt for the next Test Match at Edgbaston but with Kevin Pietersen already ruled out of the rest of the series, England will be desperate for their star player to play a full part in proceedings.
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Flint off is no longer the force with the bat he was in 2005, but his bowling is key to England’s chances of suceess!
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Oh dear. I thought the Poms were meant to be whingers? I think Australia have to accept that they have a pretty average team this time around. England are not great either but I think it’s fair to say this series is between two ordinary teams. Still, makes it interesting.
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Can’t wait for the Third Test. Flintoff will be key to England’s chances
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Freddie who? An awsome spell for Anderson & Onions, its looking like 2-0?
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Moses Reply:
July 31st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Onions was great this morning, and Anderson has been great as well.
Still, it’s swung around nicely and there should be something in it for Hilfenhaus and dare I say it, Mitchell Johnson!
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A pity the game was spoiled by rain. Australia were excellent in the second innings. Was sir Freddie Wicketless in the match???
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No super Fred and no KP for the 4th test and Brett Lee back for us ?
The omens are good for 1-1
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18-2 its looking good, they need KP and Super Fred!!
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