Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff

Giant of the noble game

I remember the first time I saw him launching a series of amazing sixes that landed on scaffolding and one left the ground - I was nearly in tears. His contribution to retrieving the Ashes, constant modesty, amazing sportsmanship (comforting Brett Lee after the Aussies had lost the match by 2 runs) and the way he stepped into the captaincy in India and got an amazing win in Mumbai to square the series: everything he has touched has turned to gold. He is an inspiration, an Englishman of the old kind, tough, modest, resolute and loyal - who brings out the best in his team mates. James Anderson said "Everytime Freddie tossed me the ball I seemed to take a wicket" Even the Aussies said, "He's good enough to be Australian!" A heartening modern English phenomena - a loveable, human, giant of the noble game.

Adam, United Kingdom - 27 April 2006