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Andrew Flintoff
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Andrew Flintoff
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Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff (born 6 December 1977), is an English television and radio presenter and former international cricketer. Flintoff played all forms of the game and was one of the sport's leading all-rounders, a fast bowler, middle-order batsman and slip fielder. He was consistently rated by the ICC as being among the top international all-rounders in both ODI and Test cricket.

Key Information

Following his debut in 1998, Flintoff became an integral player for England and was England's "Man of the Series" in the 2005 Ashes. He later served as both captain and vice-captain of the team. He retired from Test cricket at the end of the 2009 Ashes series and from other forms of the game in 2010.[1] He then had one professional boxing fight on 30 November 2012 in Manchester, beating American Richard Dawson on a points decision.[2] In 2014, Flintoff came out of retirement to play Twenty20 cricket for Lancashire, before being signed by the Brisbane Heat to play in the Australian Big Bash League for the 2014–15 season.

Since his retirement, Flintoff has been involved with numerous projects, including designing his own fashion range and becoming the face of clothing brand Jacamo, winning the first series of the Australian version of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and being part of Sky One's sports-based comedy panel show A League of Their Own. Flintoff became a presenter of the BBC One car show Top Gear in 2019, remaining with the programme until he sustained injuries resulting from an accident during filming in late 2022.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Flintoff was born in Preston, Lancashire, and his father, Colin, was a plumber and factory maintenance worker and the captain of Dutton Forshaw second XI cricket team. Flintoff attended Greenlands Community Primary School and Ribbleton Hall High School (subsequently renamed City of Preston High School).[4] His first trip abroad, at age 14, was to Argentina.[5]

During his school days he acquired the nickname "Freddie" due to his surname resembling that of the cartoon character Fred Flintstone.[6]

At Ribbleton Hall, he passed nine GCSEs, but he did not want to stay in education and left school at 16. As a boy, he played cricket for the Lancashire Schools under-11s and under-15s teams and he was also a keen chess player.[7] He then played for two and a half years in the England under-19 cricket team.[8]

Professional career

[edit]

Early years: criticism, injury and fitness troubles

[edit]

Flintoff was captain of the England Under-19 team for their "Test" match tour to Pakistan in 1996/7 and at home against Zimbabwe in 1997.[9] He made his Test match debut for England in 1998 against South Africa at Trent Bridge, in a match remembered for its second-innings duel between Mike Atherton and Allan Donald; in a precursor to their subsequent rivalry, Flintoff and Jacques Kallis exchanged wickets.[10] Nonetheless, his struggle to make the grade at county level continued, he found form only intermittently, though often explosively when he did so.

In 2000, he hit 135 not out in the quarterfinals of the Natwest Trophy against Surrey, which David Gower described as "the most awesome innings we are ever going to see on a cricket field". In the same year England's management made clear they were unhappy with his fitness and weight, Flintoff responded to his critics with 42 not out in a one-day game against Zimbabwe on his home ground of Old Trafford, forming an explosive second-wicket stand with Graeme Hick; as he collected the Man of the Match award he remarked his performance was "not bad for a fat lad".[11]

Although he lost his England place during 2001, he remodelled his bowling action and gained a place on the 2001–02 tour to India. Though he hit possibly his worst international batting form during the Test series, frustrating him to the point that he broke down in tears in the dressing room at one stage, he later saw the tour as a turning point in his career, specifically the crucial final one-day match. Entrusted with bowling the final over with India needing 11 to win, he ran out Anil Kumble and bowled Javagal Srinath with successive balls to win the match, taking off his shirt in celebration, which was mimicked by Sourav Ganguly in a later match.[12]

Improved consistency, step-up to key international player

[edit]

In 2002, Flintoff scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand. By 2003, a newer, fitter Flintoff started to justify the comparisons with Botham. Up to the end of 2002, he had averaged just 19 with the bat and 47 with the ball; from 2003 to the end of the 2005 Ashes series, the corresponding figures were 43 and 28. In the summer of 2003 he scored a century and three fifties in the five-Test series against South Africa at home. He continued to play well on the tour of the West Indies in March and April 2004, taking five wickets in the Test in Barbados and scoring a century in Antigua. In early 2004 he was named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

Although injury prevented him from bowling, he was called into the England squad for the 2004 NatWest One Day International (ODI) Series against New Zealand and the West Indies as a specialist batsman, scoring two consecutive centuries in the series and hitting seven sixes in one innings.

He matched this haul in the Second Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston in July, hitting a first-class best figure of 167. During this innings, watched by a crowd of 20,000, Flintoff hit a six into the top tier of the Ryder Stand. A man stood to claim the catch and dropped it – it was Flintoff's father.[13] Over the course of England's record-breaking summer, he hit a half-century in all seven victorious Tests against New Zealand and the West Indies. On returning to the one-day game as an all-rounder in September he fell agonisingly short of a third one-day century, caught on 99 against India, though he went on to hit a further century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 pool match against Sri Lanka two weeks later.

At the end of the season he was named as the inaugural winner of the ICC Award for one-day player of the year and the Professional Cricketers' Association player of the year. He also became a father when his fiancée Rachael Wools gave birth on 6 September. They now have a second child who was born during the series in India in 2006. Flintoff briefly returned home from the tour to see his son for the first time.[14][15][16]

2005: Ashes winner

[edit]
Flintoff during practice session

Following the Test series in South Africa in December 2004 and January 2005, Flintoff flew home for surgery on his left ankle, leading to worries he might not regain fitness in time for The Ashes. In fact, following a rehabilitation programme of swimming and hill-walking, he recovered ahead of schedule and was able to return to action for Lancashire in April.

In the Second Test against Australia at Edgbaston in August 2005, he broke Ian Botham's 1981 record of six sixes in an Ashes Test Match with five in the first innings and a further four in the second innings; he scored 141 runs in total. In the same game he took a total of seven wickets (across both innings), including the wickets of Langer and Ponting in his first over in Australia's run-chase. He managed all this despite a shoulder injury early in the second innings. England won the game by just two runs and saved their hopes of regaining the Ashes. Flintoff was named 'Man of the Match' and captain Michael Vaughan subsequently dubbed the match "Fred's Test" in honour of his achievement.

Flintoff scored a century during England's crucial win at Trent Bridge. He took five wickets on the fourth day of the final Test match, enabling England to go off for bad light and helping them eventually to secure a draw and regain the Ashes.

For his achievements throughout the 2005 Ashes series, he was named as "Man of the Series" by Australian coach, John Buchanan. His achievement also won him the inaugural Compton-Miller Medal. He was also awarded the Freedom of the City of Preston.

In October 2005, Flintoff shared the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC player of the year award with Jacques Kallis of South Africa. In December 2005, Flintoff was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2005, the first cricketer since Botham in 1981. In the New Year's Honours List for 2006, Flintoff was appointed an MBE for his role in the successful Ashes side. In January 2006, Flintoff was presented with the Freedom of the City award for Preston, Lancashire. The award was presented to Flintoff by the mayor of Preston. Other recipients of the award include Sir Tom Finney and Nick Park.

England captaincy

[edit]
Flintoff bowls in the nets at Adelaide Oval

In February 2006 following England captain Michael Vaughan and vice-captain Marcus Trescothick becoming unavailable for the first Test match against India, Flintoff was named captain of the England team and subsequently announced that he would be staying in India for the entire Test series, although he and his wife were expecting their second child. His wife gave birth to a son, Corey, shortly before the second Test on 9 March.[17]

On the field, Flintoff was seen as a great success during the drawn series with India, with a 212-run victory in Mumbai. His contributions with both bat and ball ensured that he was named as the player of the series, with many commentators seeing Flintoff as someone who not only worked better under the responsibility but was also viewed as a great influence of an inexperienced side, which included many debutants, such as Alastair Cook, Owais Shah and Monty Panesar. Flintoff amassed four fifties in the series and took 11 wickets, on unfriendly surfaces for seamers. Flintoff continued to captain England during the seven ODIs in India, although he was rested for two matches. Sri Lanka toured in May and England drew the three-Test series 1–1. The series took a heavy toll on Flintoff physically as journalist David Hopps remarked:

By the end of the series, Flintoff was also a crock, succumbing to a further ankle injury that put his role in the winter's Ashes in doubt. Could this be traced back to the opening Test at Lord's when, in his first serious bowl of the season, and somewhat above his fighting weight, he bowled an excessive 68.3 overs and nothing above 85mph? He had gone from shock bowler to stock bowler – under his own captaincy, too.[18]

A recurrence of his long-term ankle problem in the Test series meant Flintoff missed both the ODI series against Sri Lanka and the first Test against Pakistan. It was later announced in July that Flintoff's rehabilitation had not been sufficient to quell the injury and that further surgery would be required. He was thus ruled out for the entire series against Pakistan. Despite injury concerns, Flintoff was later named for the ICC Champions Trophy, where he played as a specialist batsman, not as an all-rounder.

2006–07 Ashes series

[edit]

After his previous stint as captain in the Test series against India, Flintoff returned as captain of the England team for the eagerly anticipated 2006-07 Ashes series in Australia. The series turned out to be a humiliating one for Flintoff, leading his side to five straight losses and thus losing the Ashes after having held them for the shortest time in history. In addition, he presided over England's worst ever defeat in an Ashes series, equalling the 1921 whitewash at the hands of the Warwick Armstrong-led Australian team in the wake of World War I.

Flintoff bowling against Australia in The Ashes series

Flintoff's own play in the 2006–07 series, both bowling and at the crease, was generally deemed disappointing. He made only two scores over 50 in the series, his best bowling figures being 4–99 in the first innings of the First Test in Brisbane, and he failed to take five wickets in a match. Flintoff played in only one first-class game in the lead up to the series. He was initially undone by Australia's excellent seam bowling but his batting improved throughout the series as he got more match practice. A persistent ankle injury prevented Flintoff from bowling long spells at full pace and Australia's batsmen took advantage of this. According to Nasser Hussain during the tour he also had three or four warnings for inappropriate behaviour and binge drinking,[19][20] including arriving hung over for a training session.[21]

Flintoff also captained England for several of the subsequent 2006–07 Commonwealth Bank Series One Day International matches. Michael Vaughan's return from knee surgery was cut short by a hamstring injury and he was only able to play two matches, leaving Flintoff in charge for the remaining games. England qualified in the last game of eight group matches for the best-of-three finals against Australia, but reversed their poor form on tour with a 2–0 series win in the finals.

Flintoff contributed significantly with the ball in both matches, taking three wickets in the first match and allowing only 10 runs off five overs in the second as Australia chased a reduced total in a rain-hit match.

2007 Cricket World Cup

[edit]

With Michael Vaughan returning from injury for the Cricket World Cup in the West Indies, Flintoff was replaced as captain but appointed England's vice-captain.

In the opening match of the tournament against New Zealand, Flintoff was out first ball in England's innings and, although conceding only 17 runs in eight overs, he failed to take a wicket. He did, however, take a one-handed catch at slip to dismiss Ross Taylor for a duck. On the evening of England's defeat Flintoff, along with some other players and coaches from the England squad, indulged in some late night drinking in a night club, only two days before their vital match against Canada. In the early hours of the morning, he reportedly had to be rescued after falling off a pedalo – this quickly became known in the media as the "Fredalo" incident.[22] Flintoff and the others involved were reprimanded and fined, with Flintoff being stripped of the vice-captaincy.[23] In addition, he was suspended for the match against Canada. It was revealed by England coach Duncan Fletcher that Flintoff had had a number of previous warnings about his behaviour.[24] Flintoff has since issued a public apology and later also clarified that he didn't actually "fall off" a pedalo but rather failed in an attempt to board one.[25]

Flintoff returned to the England team for the last group match against Kenya, taking two wickets. In the Super 8 matches, Flintoff often excelled with the ball but failed to recover his batting form. Against Ireland he took 4–43 and scored 43 runs; against Sri Lanka he took 3–35 but was out for 2 and against Australia he took 1–35 but was out for 4. In the next match against Bangladesh Flintoff took 1–38 in eight overs and scored 23 runs off 21 balls. Ultimately, he failed to influence an ailing English side and had a poor tournament. Michael Vaughan later commented that Flintoff's pedalo antics had adversely affected team morale.[26]

2007–09: Injuries, comeback and retirement

[edit]

Flintoff returned for a couple of games with Lancashire, in preparation for the West Indies tour of England but he re-injured his ankle and was ruled out for the first Test which started on 17 May 2007. Having undergone another operation on the troublesome ankle, he missed the whole Test and one-day series against the West Indies, and he was also ruled out for the subsequent Test series with India.[27] Following several games for Lancashire, Flintoff returned for England in the first of seven ODIs against India on 21 August 2007. He bowled seven overs and ended with figures of one for twelve in England's 104-run victory. He hit an eventful nine runs during the second ODI; however, while fielding, he injured his knee and sat out England's 42-run victory in the third ODI.[28] He returned for the fourth ODI on 30 August.[29] Flintoff missed England's two narrow defeats to India in the fifth and sixth ODIs before taking 3–45 in the seventh, helping England to win the series four-three with a seven-wicket victory.

Flintoff's ankle injury recurred during the end of the 2007 season. Although he played in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, he did not accompany the England squad to Sri Lanka, while a fourth operation made it highly unlikely that he would play again before the summer of 2008 and would miss both the Sri Lankan Test Series and the 2008 tour of New Zealand.[30] Flintoff remained "upbeat" about his career, however.[31]

Flintoff was back in action for Lancashire early in the 2008 season, but a side strain ruled him out of contention for the home series against New Zealand. After again returning to action in county cricket he was recalled to the England squad for the second Test against South Africa, where he missed the last 17 Tests prior. He took his 200th Test wicket in the Third Test, trapping Neil McKenzie lbw for 72. Flintoff bowled consistently against the South Africans, but South African coach Mickey Arthur felt that he was too defensive.[32] His batting also began to show promise as he consistently made starts, before being moved back up to bat at six when Kevin Pietersen took over as captain. In the following one day series, Flintoff was an important player for England, leading Pietersen to describe him as "a superstar". Flintoff scored 78 in both the first and the third matches – he was not required to bat in the second – as well as 31 not out off 12 balls in the fourth, whilst taking three wickets in the same match. This led many pundits to speculate that Flintoff might just be back to his best. He won Man of the Series in the ODI home series against South Africa, where England won four-nil: the last match was washed out. He was both the top run-scorer and the top wicket-taker of that series. Still, though, his want of consistency frustrated the pundits. "Flintoff," wrote Peter Roebuck some time later, "is a fine cricketer who has never quite worked out how he takes wickets or scores runs. Torn between hitting and playing, pounding and probing, he has performed below his highest capabilities."[33]

On England's tour of India, Flintoff started the series well. In the first warm-up match against the Mumbai Cricket Association, he scored exactly 100. It was his first century for England since the Fourth Test of the 2005 Ashes.[34] His batting did not follow with similar successes in India and the West Indies, but his bowling remained strong, with a dozen wickets in the Caribbean at under 30 apiece, followed by a hat-trick in the final ODI series, becoming only the third English bowler ever to do so.[35]

In February 2009, the Chennai Super Kings of the Indian Premier League bought Flintoff for US$1,550,000; US$600,000 above his base price of US$950,000. This made him the highest-ever-paid IPL player at the time, alongside compatriot Kevin Pietersen, surpassing Mahendra Singh Dhoni's US$1,500,000. But Flintoff did not find success at the tournament, held in South Africa due to the Indian General Elections, as after a difficult first few matches he was sent home for surgery following another knee injury.[36]

Flintoff driving through the covers at the SWALEC Stadium during the first Ashes Test of the 2009 series
The screen display at The Oval as Flintoff comes to the wicket for his penultimate Test innings

However, speculation over Flintoff's form ahead of the much-awaited 2009 Ashes series died down as he took six wickets in his first match back for Lancashire and left "several county batsmen...nursing bruised ribs and fingers". He also collected a half-century against Hampshire, although he was still yet to register a century in either domestic cricket or any form of the international game since that Trent Bridge instalment of the last home Ashes in 2005,[37] which year also accounted for his most recent Test five-for. "It's always been an Australian trait to over-rate players who have done well against them (just ask VVS Laxman)," wrote Lawrence Booth. "But in the case of Andrew Flintoff, this phenomenon is getting so out of control you wonder whether Steve Waugh has returned to orchestrate a cunning mind-game. ... In any case, does anyone honestly think a player with his fitness record will make it through a five-Test series condensed into less than seven weeks?" Flintoff did offer some hope with the willow in the Twenty20 Cup, however, hitting 93 off 41 balls for Lancashire against Derbyshire in June.[32]

On 15 July 2009, Flintoff announced he would retire from Test cricket at the end of the 2009 Ashes Series.[38] He said that "Since 2005 I have just been plagued with injury so I've got the opportunity now to finish on a high by helping England to win the Ashes and it will give me great pleasure if I can play my last Test at the Oval and we can win the Ashes – it doesn't get any bigger than that."[39] He was man of the match in England's victory at Lords in the Second Test Match, taking 5 wickets in the second innings after a fine display of fast bowling and achieving the rare feat of making both Lord's Honours Boards. On 23 August 2009, England defeated Australia at The Oval to seal a 2–1 series win, with Flintoff notably running out the Australian captain Ricky Ponting, ensuring Flintoff ended his England career on a high.[40]

On 16 September 2010, Flintoff retired from all forms of professional cricket, having consulted medical advisers.[1] He continued to play recreationally for Penwortham Cricket Club alongside his brother Chris Flintoff.[41]

2014–2015: Twenty20 comeback and second retirement

[edit]

Flintoff came out of retirement in May 2014, returning to Lancashire to play Twenty20 only.[42] He featured in the final of the competition, dismissing Ian Bell with the ball and hitting two sixes in the penultimate over as Lancashire fell just short against Birmingham Bears. After this season he was signed by the Brisbane Heat in the Australian Big Bash League for the 2014–15 season. Flintoff disappointed on the field, ending the season, which proved to be his last as a player, with a high score of 46, with only one other score in double figures (15), along with three wickets at an average of 45.33.[43][44]

2024-Present: Coaching

[edit]

In September 2024, Flintoff was announced as the new head coach of the England Lions cricket team for upcoming tours to South Africa, Australia and home matches against India A cricket team and Zimbabwe.[45]

He was appointed as Head Coach of Northern Superchargers men’s team in The Hundred in 2023. He left the role in October 2025, citing issues with the salary he was offered.[46]

Records and achievements

[edit]
As of November 2024
  • Flintoff is the sixth-highest wicket-taker for England in one-day international cricket with 168 wickets,[47] and the 14th highest in Test cricket, with 219 wickets.
  • Flintoff was Lancashire's winner of the NBC Denis Compton Award in 1997.
  • Flintoff holds third place in the list of most sixes scored for England in Test cricket, with 78, behind Ben Stokes and Kevin Pietersen.
  • Flintoff was the seventh player to have batted on all five days of a Test match, achieving this feat at Mohali, in the same match he over took in which he broke the sixes record.[48]
  • He is one of only eleven players to be on both the batting and bowling honours boards at Lord's.[49]

Media career

[edit]

In March 2010, Flintoff became a team captain on the Sky One television sports panel show A League of Their Own, hosted by James Corden. In December 2010, Flintoff became a guest commentator during a number of matches in the 2011 PDC World Darts Championship event.[50] He returned to commentary during the 2012 World Matchplay, where he called Michael van Gerwen's nine dart finish against Steve Beaton. He also hosted a radio show on BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday nights.

As of 2011 Flintoff was named as a brand ambassador for big men's fashion brand Jacamo and had his own range produced in 2012. In early 2011 he also became the face of Morrisons supermarkets.

Flintoff also produced a documentary entitled Freddie Flintoff: Hidden Side of Sport, about his and other sports stars' suffering of clinical depression. This was first aired on BBC1 on Wednesday, 11 January 2012.[51]

Flintoff was a judge on the ITV talent show Let's Get Gold in 2012.

In 2014, Flintoff made a cameo appearance in Sky TV series, Trollied. In the same year, he also appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Deal or No Deal.

On 15 February 2015, Flintoff entered the first Australian series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, held in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Entering on Day 17 of the series, he was crowned "King of the Jungle" after winning the series on 15 March 2015 after spending 29 days in the jungle. He was also a commentator for Network Ten's Big Bash League coverage and appeared as a regular panellist on their current affairs show The Project.

In 2014, Flintoff started the Sky One TV series Flintoff: Lord of the Fries, touring around the UK exploring the places, people and food with co-host Rob Penn. The series was aired from 2015,[52] the second series (2016) was titled "Freddie Fries again". In December 2016, Flintoff and Penn took the series to Australia titled "Freddie Fries Down Under" AKA "Freddie Down Under"[53] with challenges along the way.

Along with close friend and former Blackburn Rovers captain Robbie Savage and journalist and former table tennis professional Matthew Syed, Flintoff hosted a BBC Radio 5 Live podcast called Flintoff, Savage & The Ping Pong Guy in which hot sporting topics are discussed.[54] The podcast won two categories at the 2017 Radio Academy Awards – Best Podcast and Best New Show – and Flintoff himself was awarded the Best New Presenter category.[55]

Flintoff was a co-host for Australian Ninja Warrior, which first aired on the Nine Network in July 2017.[56] Currently on its fourth season, he had to leave after the quarter finals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[57]

In September 2017, Flintoff was the main presenter for Cannonball on ITV with Frankie Bridge, Radzi Chinyanganya, Ryan Hand and Maya Jama as poolside reporters.

He appeared in the BBC drama Love, Lies & Records.[58] In November 2017, Flintoff made his musical theatre debut as Kevin Mergatroyd in Kay Mellor's Fat Friends The Musical (based on the ITV series) in Leeds before touring the UK in early 2018.[59] He also hosted All Star Musicals for ITV in December 2017.[60]

In October 2018, it was announced that Flintoff would be the new host of Top Gear alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. Filming for the 27th series of the BBC Two show began in early 2019 and first aired in June 2019.[61] On 11 February 2019, it was reported that Flintoff had crashed into a market stall in Mansfield while filming for the show.[62][63][64]

On 10 September 2019 Flintoff crashed a second time, while riding a head-first trike at 124 mph during one of the car show's signature competitions. He was not injured and resumed filming afterwards.[65]

Flintoff was involved in a third crash when filming on 13 December 2022, at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, after which he was airlifted to hospital.[66] In October 2023, press reports confirmed that BBC Studios had reached a £9 million financial settlement to compensate Flintoff for the injuries he had sustained.[67]

In 2022, Flintoff presented Freddie's Field of Dreams on the BBC which saw him attempting to create a cricket team made up of disadvantaged boys from Preston.[68] A second series was released in 2024 with Flintoff taking the team on tour to India.[69]

Property

[edit]

In 2018,[70] it was reported that he was involved in a development to build a new tower block in Castlefield, along Mancunian Way. The two buildings were dubbed the "Flintoff towers".[71] After the original was rejected for being too tall,[72] in June 2019 Flintoff continued seeking permission for a 23-storey residential tower in Castlefield, Manchester,[73] A shorter version was approved in July 2019, with the tower designed by SimpsonHaugh.[74] The new development will be 23 storeys, not 35.[75]

Personal life

[edit]
Flintoff with his wife Rachael in 2016.

Flintoff married Rachael Wools in March 2005 at Knightsbridge, London. He has four children, including Rocky and Corey who are also cricketers.[76][77] He has the names of his wife and children tattooed on his left shoulder. Flintoff is a supporter of Preston North End. In his 2005 autobiography, Being Freddie, Flintoff admitted he had little or no interest in football at the time and only visited the City of Manchester Stadium for the social atmosphere.

Flintoff's father, Colin, and his brother, Chris, both played cricket, with Colin still playing for Whittingham Cricket Club near Preston. During Flintoff's innings of 167 against the West Indies at Edgbaston in July 2004, one six off Jermaine Lawson was hit high into the Ryder Stand and almost caught by his father, who fumbled the ball and dropped it. Colin Flintoff remarked "If I'd taken it he'd have been the first Test batsman to be caught out by his dad!"[78]

On 20 January 2006, Flintoff was awarded the Honorary Freedom of Preston, his home town, which is now a city. It is the highest award a Council can bestow on an individual.[79]

In 2011, Flintoff was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Preston-based Myerscough College.[80]

Autobiographies

[edit]

Flintoff has written several books:

  • Being Freddie
  • Freddie
  • Andrew Flintoff, My Life in Pictures
  • Ashes to Ashes
  • Good Times, Bad Times
  • Right, Said Fred

Documentaries

[edit]

His career has been subject of a number of TV films and documentaries. In Freddie Flintoff: Hidden Side of Sport broadcast on the BBC One in 2012,[81] he talks candidly in moving interviews with Steve Harmison, Vinnie Jones and Ricky Hatton and others about the serious effects of depression. He confronts his own issues as captain of England under pressure and under fire at the top of his game. Freddie reveals the stigma attached to talking about depression in the face of an often unforgiving public.

In the documentary Flintoff: From Lord's to the Ring in 2012 broadcast on Sky 1,[82] the cricket champion is followed in a 3-episode series while pursuing a possible career as a professional boxer under the guidance of trainers Barry McGuigan and his son Shane McGuigan. "Biggie", Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson make appearances in the documentary where Flintoff is preparing for a boxing match.

In 2020, Flintoff presented a documentary that aired on the BBC One called Freddie Flintoff: Living With Bulimia.[83] In the documentary, Flintoff talks with other men who have suffered with bulimia and discusses the stigma around men who suffer with eating disorders. Flintoff has suffered with bulimia for over 20 years, since he was 20 years old.[84] At the end of the documentary, Flintoff said that he would like to seek treatment for his eating disorder, which he has never done previously, despite the long period he had been struggling with it.[83]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2005 The Frank Skinner Show Guest 1 episode
Strictly Come Dancing 4 episodes
2006 Match of the Day 1 episode
2007 ITV News
You Can't Fire Me, I'm Famous Participant
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross Guest
2009, 2012, 2017–2019 The One Show 7 episodes
2009 The F Word 1 episode
2010 Live from Studio Five
2010–present A League of Their Own Participant 113 episodes
2010 2010 Sport Relief Himself One-off
James Corden's World Cup Live Guest 1 episode
2011 Daybreak
The Million Pound Drop Participant
John Bishop's Britain Himself 5 episodes
My Funniest Year 1 episode
Alone in the Wild: Freddie Flintoff Television movie
2012 Celebrity Juice Guest 3 episodes
2012, 2015 The Jonathan Ross Show 2 episodes
2012, 2017–2018 Loose Women 6 episodes
2012 Freddie Flintoff Goes Wild Himself 4 episodes
Let's Get Gold 1 episode
The Last Leg Guest
Flintoff: From Lord's to the Ring Himself 4 episodes
2013 John Bishop's Only Joking Guest 3 episodes
The Graham Norton Show 1 episode
That Puppet Game Show Participant
2013–2014 8 Out of 10 Cats Guest 2 episodes
2013 The Spa Himself 1 episode
2014 Piers Morgan's Life Stories Guest
Celebrity Squares Participant
Duck Quacks Don't Echo
Sunday Brunch Guest
Oxford Street Revealed Himself
Trollied
2014–2015 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Participant 2 episodes
2015 I'm A Celebrity.. Get Me Out of Here! 20 episodes
The New Paul O'Grady Show Guest 1 episode
Very British Problems Himself 3 episodes
Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week Presenter
2015–present Flintoff: Lord of the Fries Himself 14 episodes (plus 4 in production)
2016 Too Much TV Presenter 1 episode
All Star Mr & Mrs Participant
John Bishop: in Conversation With Guest
Tipping Point: Lucky Stars Participant
2017 Freddie Down Under Himself 6 episodes
Parenting for Idiots Participant 3 episodes
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Guest 1 episode
The Nightly Show
2017–2018 Good Morning Britain 2 episodes
2017 Andrew Flintoff's Summer: Pacino and Bert Man Television movie
2017–2020 Australian Ninja Warrior Presenter 21 episodes
2017 Cannonball 10 episodes
Gogglebox Participant 1 episode
Love, Lies and Records Danny
2018 Breakfast Guest
All Round to Mrs. Brown's
Carnage Presenter
2019 Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony One-off
Lorraine Guest 1 episode
2019–2022 Top Gear Presenter 7 series (38 episodes)
2020 Total Wipeout – Freddie and Paddy's Takeover
2020 Don't Rock The Boat
2020 Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia
2021 DNA Journey Himself 1 episode; 10 March 2021[85]
2022 The Games 1 series (5 episodes)
2022–present Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams Documentary series; second series commissioned[86][87]
2022 Freddie & Jason: Two Men in a Tent With Jason Manford[88]
2024–present Bullseye Presenter[89]

Awards and honours

[edit]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
1 fight 1 win 0 losses
By decision 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Win 1–0 Richard Dawson PTS 4 30 November 2012 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Andrew Flintoff

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Andrew Flintoff, born Andrew Frederick Flintoff on 6 December 1977 in , , is a former professional cricketer renowned as an who played for the national team and . A right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler standing at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), Flintoff made his first-class debut for in 1995 at age 17 and quickly rose through the ranks, captaining 's Under-19 team in 1996–97. He debuted in against in 1998 and in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 1999, going on to feature in 79 Tests where he scored 3,845 runs at an average of 31.77, including five centuries, and took 226 wickets at an average of 32.78. In ODIs, Flintoff played 141 matches, amassing 3,394 runs at 32.01 with three centuries and claiming 169 wickets at 34.38, while in seven T20Is he contributed 76 runs and 5 wickets. His career peaked during the , where he was instrumental in England's victory after 18 years, scoring 402 runs and taking 24 wickets to earn Man of the Series honors, followed by a key role in the 2009 Ashes retention with a memorable final-Test performance. Flintoff's charismatic presence and powerful hitting—exemplified by his nine sixes in twin fifties at in 2005—made him a national icon, culminating in winning the Sports Personality of the Year award in 2005, the first cricketer to do so since 1981. Plagued by injuries, particularly to his ankles and knees, he retired from in 2009 after the Ashes and from all cricket in September 2010 at age 32 due to chronic knee issues, though he made a brief T20 comeback for in 2014. Post-retirement, Flintoff transitioned to media and entertainment, winning I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2015, hosting shows like and Top Gear from 2019 until a severe open-top car crash during filming in December 2022 left him with serious facial injuries and ongoing challenges including anxiety and flashbacks. He ventured into in 2012, securing a first-round knockout victory on debut, and later performed in stage productions and . Returning to in roles, Flintoff served as an assistant to the white-ball team in 2023, of Northern Superchargers in The Hundred until October 2025—when he departed citing undervaluation—and was appointed of the Lions in September 2024 to prepare for future challenges. His BBC series Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams (2019–2025), mentoring disadvantaged youth in , has highlighted his recovery and commitment to the 's accessibility, with the 2024 tour edition praised for its emotional depth amid his personal struggles. Married to Rachael Wools since 2005, with four children including son Rocky who debuted for England Lions in 2025, Flintoff remains a beloved figure in English , embodying resilience and larger-than-life .

Early life

Childhood and family background

Andrew Flintoff was born on 6 December 1977 in , into a close-knit working-class family. His early years were spent in a house on Lauderdale Road, where the family's modest circumstances reflected the everyday realities of Preston's industrial community. Flintoff's father, Colin, worked as a plumber and maintenance man at British Aerospace, and was an avid cricketer who captained the local Dutton Forshaw second XI, instilling in his son a deep passion for sports from a young age. Colin's involvement extended to coaching Andrew on Blackpool's sands and facilitating his entry into youth cricket through local clubs. His mother, Susan (also known as Sue), came from a supportive background and was a keen follower of the game, often attending matches with the family. Flintoff's older brother, Chris, further shaped his early interests; an accomplished cricketer who once scored a club-record 213 runs at Harris Park and represented England at chess, Chris introduced Andrew to the sport and played alongside him in local teams. Chris later pursued a degree and became a teacher in Japan, highlighting the family's emphasis on diverse achievements. Flintoff's schooling began at Greenlands County Primary School and continued at Ribbleton Hall High School in Preston, where he left at age 16. The high school environment was challenging, with limited organized like on the curriculum and a reputation for rowdiness among some pupils, but Flintoff remained a quiet within a tight circle of friends, avoiding trouble. Despite these constraints, his family provided unwavering encouragement for his sporting pursuits, with parents and brother frequently traveling to support him at games, even queuing for hours at venues like . This backing was crucial in nurturing his ambitions amid the everyday demands of their working-class life.

Introduction to cricket

Andrew Flintoff discovered at a young age in his hometown of , where he played his first competitive match at the age of eight for the junior side of Dutton Forshaw Cricket Club. His father, Colin, who served as captain of the club's second XI and worked as a , played a key role in nurturing his early interest in the sport. By age nine, Flintoff's potential was evident, earning him a cap for Lancashire's under-11s team and marking his entry into the county's . He progressed steadily through the ranks, representing Lancashire at under-11s through to under-16s levels, where he honed his skills as an under the guidance of county coaches. Flintoff's talent garnered national attention early, leading to his selection for the Under-15s team for their tour of in 1993, when he was just 15 years old. While attending Ribbleton Hall High , he balanced academics with intensive training, but at 16, after completing his GCSEs, he left formal education to focus entirely on the sport. That same year, Lancashire coach David Lloyd personally visited his family home to offer him a professional contract, securing his entry into structured .

Cricket career

Domestic and early professional years

Andrew Flintoff made his first-class debut for against in the on 24 August 1995, at the age of 17. In that match, he scored just 7 runs and dropped five catches, marking a modest start to his professional career. Early on, Flintoff faced challenges with consistency in both batting and , compounded by concerns over his weight and fitness, which drew and limited his immediate impact at county level. Despite these hurdles, he had progressed through 's youth system, representing the county from under-11 to under-16 levels before breaking into the senior side. Flintoff's domestic form improved notably in the late 1990s, particularly during the season, where he played 15 first-class matches for , scoring one century and two half-centuries while taking six wickets and effecting 22 catches. In limited-overs cricket, he contributed significantly to 's campaign that year, amassing 173 runs across six matches with a highest score of 92. The 1999 and 2000 seasons saw further development, with Flintoff establishing himself as a powerful capable of match-winning contributions, though his progress was occasionally disrupted by off-field distractions and physical conditioning issues. By 2000, reports highlighted his weight as a point of concern, prompting discussions within the setup about the need for greater discipline. Injuries began to affect Flintoff's availability during this period, notably in 1999 when a broken foot sustained during England's tour of forced his early return home, sidelining him for several domestic fixtures and impacting his selection prospects. He also dealt with a thumb injury that year, which threatened his participation in key matches. These setbacks, combined with ongoing fitness challenges, underscored the need for a more rigorous training approach; Flintoff subsequently focused on weight loss and improved conditioning, shedding excess pounds to enhance his all-round effectiveness. This transformation paved the way for his breakthrough in one-day cricket, culminating in his ODI debut for against on 7 April 1999 at Sharjah, where he opened the bowling and scored 18 runs.

International debut and initial challenges

Andrew Flintoff made his Test debut for in the fourth match of the series against at , , on 23 July 1998, at the age of 20. Batting at No. 7, he scored 17 runs in the first and 6 in the second, while claiming 1 for 68 runs from 23 overs with the ball. His modest figures reflected a tentative start to , as secured a 23-run victory to draw the series 2-2. Flintoff's (ODI) debut followed on 7 April 1999 against in the Coca-Cola Cup at . Opening the bowling, he took 1 wicket for 62 runs from 7 overs, dismissing , and contributed 18 runs off 18 balls with a six in 's chase. posted 323 for 5, and were bowled out for 233, losing by 90 runs in a match that highlighted Flintoff's raw potential but limited impact. Between 2001 and 2003, Flintoff endured significant challenges, including criticism for inconsistent performances, poor fitness levels, and a reputation for an indulgent off-field lifestyle involving heavy socializing and drinking. His bowling remained erratic, with an average of around 40 in Tests during this period, while batting contributions were sporadic despite occasional flashes of power. In November 2002, ahead of series in , Flintoff was dropped from the first two Tests after failing a fitness test following hernia surgery earlier that summer; England management cited concerns over his training commitment and recovery, opting instead for the more reliable . The episode underscored broader scrutiny from selectors and media, who questioned whether his talent would ever translate into sustained international success. Early signs of progress emerged during England's 2001–02 tour of , where Flintoff scored his maiden century—137 runs in the second at —helping secure a seven-wicket win and signaling his growing all-round threat. On the subsequent 2002–03 tour to , despite injury limiting him to three , he produced a gritty 75 in the fourth at , contributing to England's only victory in a 4-1 series defeat. These efforts, combined with strong showings in the 2003 —where he took 11 wickets at an average of 22.36—began to rebuild confidence, culminating in his first five-wicket haul of 5 for 92 against the during the 2003–04 tour, in the third at , . This performance, part of England's 3-0 series whitewash, marked a turning point in his bowling maturity. Flintoff's early career was not without off-field controversies, drawing intense media attention to his behavior outside cricket. Reports frequently highlighted his partying habits, which exacerbated fitness concerns and led to public debates about his ; for instance, in , tabloid coverage amplified perceptions of him as a "loose cannon," potentially jeopardizing team discipline. Under the guidance of coach , who took a firm yet supportive approach from 1999 onward, Flintoff underwent notable improvements in discipline and preparation. Fletcher advocated for his inclusion during tough periods, such as the 2001–02 tour of despite fitness doubts, emphasizing tailored fitness regimes and technical refinements. This backing resulted in more consistent selection from , with Flintoff playing in 80% of England's Tests over the next two years, laying the foundation for his emergence as a mainstay .

Rise to key player and 2005 Ashes victory

In 2004, Andrew Flintoff established himself as a consistent all-round performer for , showcasing improved fitness and maturity that transformed him into a key asset across formats. He scored a career-best 167 against at , striking seven sixes in a dynamic that highlighted his growing batting prowess, while bowling at peak speeds that troubled opponents. His contributions earned him recognition as the Leading Cricketer in the World by Wisden for that year, reflecting his balanced impact with bat and ball in a season that included strong showings against and . The 2005 Ashes series marked Flintoff's pinnacle, where he emerged as the series' standout all-rounder and a national icon, propelling England to a historic 2-1 victory after 18 years. In the second Test at Edgbaston, often hailed as one of cricket's greatest matches, Flintoff delivered a match-winning all-round display: he scored 68 in the first innings and a crucial 73 in the second, rescuing England from 175 for 8 to set Australia a target of 282, which they fell short of by just two runs. His bowling claimed five wickets in the match (2/55 and 3/52), earning him the Man of the Match award and cementing his role in one of the series' most dramatic turnarounds. An iconic moment came post-match when Flintoff, overcome with emotion, consoled a dejected Brett Lee on the field, a gesture of sportsmanship that symbolized the series' intense camaraderie and later became one of its most enduring images. Flintoff's influence extended throughout the series, with pivotal performances underscoring his emergence as England's linchpin. At in the decisive fifth , he took 5/78 in Australia's first , including key dismissals that restricted their lead and set up England's chase. His tears after the victory captured the personal stakes, as he later reflected on the match's emotional toll amid the pressure to break Australia's dominance. Overall, Flintoff amassed 402 runs at an average of 40.20 and 24 wickets at 27.29, sharing the Man of the Series award with for his decisive contributions that balanced attack and resilience. The triumph elevated Flintoff to national hero status, with post-series celebrations—including a open-top bus parade through —drawing massive crowds and amplifying 's appeal in . The series' drama, fueled by Flintoff's heroics, boosted viewership to record levels, with peak audiences exceeding 8 million on television, sparking a surge in participation and interest that reinvigorated the sport domestically for years.

Captaincy and 2006–07 Ashes series

In 2006, Andrew Flintoff was appointed as England's one-day international (ODI) captain following Michael Vaughan's withdrawal from the tour of due to a recurring . Under Flintoff's , suffered heavy defeats in the subsequent ODI series, losing 5-1 to in March and April and 5-0 to in June and July. These results highlighted challenges in adapting to subcontinental conditions and maintaining consistency, though Flintoff's energetic approach was noted for boosting during the ODIs. Flintoff's leadership extended to Test cricket later in 2006, where he served as acting captain for the tour of in March after both and Marcus were sidelined by personal and health issues. secured a historic 1-0 series victory, with Flintoff's tactical acumen praised for fostering a positive environment that integrated younger players and emphasized collective resilience. He continued in a leadership role during the home Test series against in May to July, which ended in a 1-1 draw, where his vice-captaincy under the returning was credited with maintaining high team morale through his approachable and motivational style. Building on the momentum from the 2005 Ashes triumph, Flintoff was named Test captain for the in in September 2006, again due to Vaughan's ongoing knee problems. The series proved disastrous for , resulting in a 5–0 by , the first such defeat since 1920–21. Flintoff's personal performance was subdued compared to his 2005 heroics, yielding 254 runs at an average of 28.22 and 11 wickets at 38.45, hampered by inconsistent batting and bowling amid the mounting pressure. During the series, Flintoff battled an ankle injury that worsened, particularly after the second Test at , forcing him to undergo to remove scar tissue from a upon returning home; he was sidelined for six weeks. This injury, combined with the series outcome, led to Flintoff relinquishing the captaincy, with appointed as ODI captain in June 2007 while Flintoff focused on recovery. Reflecting on his tenure, Flintoff later expressed regret over accepting the Test captaincy, citing the intense pressures that contributed to a period of depression and strained team dynamics during the , though he emphasized the shared responsibility and lasting bonds formed under adversity.

2007 World Cup and subsequent injuries

England's campaign at the 2007 ICC World Cup in the was a major disappointment, as the team failed to progress beyond the Super Eight stage after winning only three of their nine matches. The early exit marked a low point following the highs of the 2005 , with the side struggling against key opponents and finishing bottom of their Super Eight group. Andrew Flintoff's participation was severely hampered by a recurring left ankle injury, which had flared up prior to the tournament and limited his mobility and effectiveness as an throughout the event. Despite featuring in several games, he was unable to replicate his peak form, contributing to the overall sense of underachievement. Following the , Flintoff underwent his fourth surgery on the left ankle in October 2007, an operation that removed bone fragments causing tendon compression and sidelined him for approximately seven months. This recovery period forced him to miss England's winter tours to and in late 2007 and early 2008, depriving the team of his services during a challenging schedule. The ankle issues were part of a broader pattern of injuries that plagued Flintoff from onward, including multiple ankle operations starting in 2005, knee problems that emerged prominently in 2009, and shoulder strains that affected his bowling action. These cumulative tolls—exacerbated by his powerful, high-impact playing style—began to erode his durability and availability for . Flintoff attempted a comeback in 2009, signing with the in the for $1.55 million and playing three matches before a injury curtailed his stint. He was recalled to the Test squad for the series against West Indies in early 2009, passing fitness tests to feature in the opening match and contributing with both bat and ball. However, persistent issues persisted, and ahead of the second Test against Australia at in July 2009, Flintoff announced his retirement from at the end of the series, citing the unrelenting injury burden. In what proved to be his final Test appearance, he delivered a memorable performance, taking 5 for 92 to help secure a 115-run victory and providing an emotional farewell at the iconic venue.

Retirement, comeback, and second retirement

Following his initial retirement from Test cricket in July 2009 due to a chronic knee injury that had plagued him since 2007, Flintoff aimed to continue in limited-overs formats but underwent further surgery in early 2010, ruling him out of international and major domestic commitments. By September 2010, he retired from all international cricket, marking the end of his England career at age 32. From 2010 to 2013, Flintoff played no competitive cricket, instead prioritizing rehabilitation from his knee issues and beginning a transition into media work, including television presenting roles. In May 2014, Flintoff emerged from retirement to rejoin for the NatWest T20 Blast, restricting himself to cricket to manage his fitness. He featured in five matches, batting twice for a single run and bowling in all outings to claim three wickets at an average of 28.67. His return generated significant fan interest, with reporting boosted attendance, though he admitted the physical demands tested his body after a five-year absence from professional play. Extending his comeback, Flintoff signed with the for Australia's in the 2014–15 season, playing seven matches. He scored 74 runs at an average of 10.57, including a highest score of 46 off 26 balls against the , and took two wickets at an economy rate of 9.25. Despite performing adequately in the shorter format, Flintoff was not pursued for an international recall ahead of the 2015 World Cup, as selectors favored younger players, and he chose to focus on domestic T20. In early 2015, following the conclusion of the , Flintoff announced his second and definitive retirement from all professional , closing the chapter on a career interrupted by injuries but defined by key contributions to England's successes. Reflecting on the end of his playing days, he described the abrupt exit at a relatively young age as leading to identity struggles and depression, though it paved the way for fulfillment in and family life. Flintoff's overall career statistics across formats underscore his all-round prowess, particularly in Tests and ODIs where he balanced aggressive batting with .
FormatMatchesRuns ScoredWickets Taken
Tests793,84531.7722632.78
ODIs1413,39432.0016934.39
T20Is77612.66528.20

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from playing, Andrew Flintoff transitioned into coaching roles within English cricket, drawing on his experience as a leader during his playing career. In 2023, he joined England's white-ball setup as a player mentor and assistant coach, contributing to the team's preparation for the ODI and T20I series against Ireland, the West Indies tour, and the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. His involvement emphasized building team culture and providing inspirational guidance to emerging talents, helping foster a positive environment amid the team's transitional phase under captain Jos Buttler. In November 2023, Flintoff was appointed head coach of the Northern Superchargers men's team in The Hundred, marking his first senior coaching position in the short-format competition. Under his leadership in the 2024 season, the Superchargers finished third in the points table with five wins from eight matches, securing qualification for the for the first time in the franchise's history. The team showed improved cohesion and aggressive play, with key contributions from players like and reflecting Flintoff's focus on bold, entertaining . In the 2025 season, the Superchargers again reached the knockout stage, advancing to the eliminator before rain interrupted their match against , which advanced the opponents to the final. Flintoff's tenure with the Superchargers ended in October 2025 after contract negotiations broke down with the franchise's new owners, the Indian conglomerate , who had acquired the team earlier that year. He cited feeling undervalued in the discussions, particularly regarding salary and role terms, as a key factor in his departure, describing it as a mutual decision but one driven by personal principles. In subsequent interviews, Flintoff reflected on how provided renewed purpose after personal challenges, including his 2022 Top Gear accident, but acknowledged it could not replicate the raw intensity and camaraderie of his playing days. Concurrently, in September 2024, Flintoff was named head coach of the England Lions on a 12-month contract, overseeing development tours to in late 2024 and in early 2025 as preparation for . In this role, he mentored promising young players, emphasizing mental resilience and skill refinement in high-pressure environments, while handling responsibilities like squad selection and performance reviews. By October 2025, Flintoff had led the Lions through initial camps and tours, focusing on bridging the gap between domestic and , and continued in the role into late 2025 with further preparation activities, including sessions in Hull in November.

Achievements and records

International statistics

Andrew Flintoff's international career highlighted his prowess as an across , (ODI), and (T20I) formats, contributing significantly to England's successes, particularly during the . His statistics reflect a balanced performer who could influence matches with both bat and ball, peaking at the top of the ICC All-Rounder rankings in 2005 following standout performances in the Ashes. In Test cricket, Flintoff featured in 79 matches between 1998 and 2009, amassing 3,845 runs at an average of 31.77, with 5 centuries and 26 fifties, while claiming 226 wickets at an average of 32.78 and an economy rate of 2.97, including three five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5/58 against in 2004. His Test contributions were particularly notable against , where in 15 matches he scored 1,061 runs at 35.36 and took 48 wickets at 33.25, underscoring his impact in high-stakes series. Over the years, his Test batting peaked in 2005 with 682 runs at 48.71, aligning with England's triumph, while his bowling was most effective in 2004, securing 24 wickets at 26.75.
FormatMatchesRunsBatting AvgCenturies/FiftiesWicketsBowling AvgBest FiguresEconomy
793,84531.775/2622632.785/582.97
ODI1413,39432.011/1816924.385/194.40
T20I77612.660/0532.202/236.44
In ODIs, spanning 1999 to 2009, Flintoff played 141 matches, scoring 3,394 runs at 32.01 with 18 half-centuries and one century, and taking 169 wickets at 24.38 with two five-wicket hauls, his best being 5/19 against in 2005. Against key opponents like , he averaged 29.12 with the bat over 36 matches (1,045 runs) and 28.45 with the ball (38 wickets), while his standout year was 2004, yielding 434 runs at 43.40 and 26 wickets at 21.88. In T20Is, limited to 7 matches from 2005 to 2006, he scored 76 runs at 12.66 and took 5 wickets at 32.20. Flintoff formed several notable partnerships that bolstered England's innings, including a crucial 103-run stand with in the second Test of the 2005 Ashes at , which helped stabilize the batting on Day 1 against . Another key collaboration was a 123-run partnership with in the 2005 ODI triangular series, contributing to England's victory over . His domestic performances in , where he averaged over 30 with the bat and took more than 200 first-class wickets, provided the foundation for his international selection.

Notable awards and milestones

In 2004, Flintoff was named the ICC One-Day International Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding all-round contributions that helped England secure the title later that year. His pivotal role in England's 2005 Ashes victory earned him the Sports Personality of the Year award, the first for a cricketer since in 1981. For the same performance, he was honored as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in 2005, edging out Australia's . Flintoff received the Member of the (MBE) in the 2006 New Year's Honours for his services to English , particularly his contributions to success.

Post-cricket

Media and

Following his from professional in 2010, Andrew Flintoff transitioned into , leveraging his playing to become a respected and commentator focused on the sport. In the 2010s, Flintoff served as a cricket pundit for , contributing analysis to major international events including series and ICC World Cups, where his on-field insights added depth to coverage of high-stakes matches. He was a regular in ' commentary team for domestic competitions, such as the 2017 NatWest , and later joined their broadcast lineup for the inaugural edition of The Hundred in 2021, offering humorous yet perceptive breakdowns of player performances and strategies drawn directly from his experience. Flintoff's style—blending light-hearted anecdotes with tactical expertise—earned praise for making complex cricket accessible, often referencing pivotal moments like his 2005 heroics to contextualize contemporary play. Flintoff also took on roles with the , appearing as a guest panelist on the sports quiz show alongside team captains and , where his quick wit and sporting knowledge engaged audiences. He provided expert commentary for during the through his hosted segment Flintoff’s Ashes Roadshow, offering match previews and post-game reflections for each Test. Between 2018 and 2022, Flintoff appeared as a guest commentator on 's Test Match Special for select England home series, sharing insider perspectives on team dynamics and bowling tactics. In 2023, Flintoff's broadcasting momentum was interrupted by a serious accident while presenting Top Gear for the , leading to his withdrawal from the show. By 2025, Flintoff had re-engaged with radio media through reflective interviews on , discussing his career highs, the unfulfilling aspects of television compared to playing, and lessons from the 2005 and . In these interviews, he expressed a preference for coaching over broadcasting, noting it provided greater fulfillment post-accident.

Television hosting and entertainment

Andrew Flintoff transitioned into television entertainment following his cricket retirement, leveraging his charismatic and humorous persona to become a prominent figure on sports panel and game shows. In 2010, he joined Sky One's as a team captain, a role he held for 16 series until 2018, contributing to the show's blend of comedy, sports trivia, and celebrity banter hosted by . His affable style and quick wit helped establish him as a natural entertainer beyond the . Flintoff expanded his hosting portfolio with high-energy game shows in the mid-2010s. He presented ITV's Cannonball in 2017, a water-based competition featuring contestants navigating massive inflatables for cash prizes, which showcased his enthusiastic delivery and rapport with co-presenters like . Earlier that decade, in 2015, he gained further visibility by winning the inaugural Australian series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, enduring challenges that highlighted his resilience and endeared him to a broader audience. In 2019, Flintoff took on a high-profile presenting role on BBC's Top Gear, joining and Chris Harris as one of the main hosts, where he participated in daring car stunts and segments that played to his adventurous image, continuing until a hiatus in late 2022. He also co-hosted on in 2020, providing comedic commentary over classic episodes of the obstacle course series alongside McGuinness, adding his signature banter to the format. Following a period away from screens, Flintoff made a notable return to television hosting in 2024 with ITV's revival of the darts-themed quiz show Bullseye, presenting a special that drew strong viewer acclaim for its nostalgic appeal and his engaging presence. The success led to a full series commission airing in 2025, where he cited the show's iconic status and personal enthusiasm for the format as key factors in his decision to resume on-screen work, marking a deliberate shift toward light-hearted roles that align with his post-cricket public image. This comeback underscored his enduring appeal as an entertainer, blending familiarity from sports broadcasting with broader comedic talents.

Boxing pursuits

After his retirement from professional cricket in 2010, Andrew Flintoff pursued as a means to maintain fitness and fill the competitive void left by the sport, training under experienced coaches to prepare for a professional bout. He underwent rigorous sessions that included , though he later admitted disliking the intensity, describing it as getting "beaten up" daily, which tested his resolve post-cricket injuries. Flintoff made his professional boxing debut on 30 November at the age of 34, facing American at in a four-round contest. Despite being knocked down in the second round, he recovered to win on points by a narrow margin of 39-38, showcasing resilience in his as a 6 ft 4 in . The victory, attended by around 5,000 fans, marked a successful transition from but drew criticism for resembling a novice or white-collar level matchup rather than elite . Flintoff's motivations centered on personal challenge and staying active, with the bout serving as a one-off endeavor rather than a long-term career shift, influenced by his need for focus after cricket's demands. However, he withdrew from further professional fights shortly after, citing a torn shoulder ligament sustained during training and commitments to family and media work, retiring undefeated with a 1-0 record.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Andrew Flintoff married Rachael Wools, a former model and entrepreneur, in March 2005 after meeting her at in Birmingham three years earlier. The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in March 2025. The couple has four children: daughter , born in 2004; sons , born in 2006, and , born in 2008; and youngest son Preston, born in 2019. Rachael has been a steadfast source of support for Flintoff throughout his cricketing career, from triumphs like the 2005 Ashes victory to personal and professional setbacks, including his retirement in 2010. Flintoff's sons have followed in his footsteps by pursuing ; Corey and Rocky have been guided by their father in their early careers, with Rocky notably debuting for in 2024 at age 16, and making his England Lions debut in January 2025, where he scored a maiden century aged 16, becoming the youngest to do so for the team. In the early 2010s, Flintoff faced financial pressures amid the post- transition and housing market downturn, leading him to reduce the asking price by £500,000 on the family's £5 million mansion in an effort to sell the property.

Health challenges and recovery

Throughout his cricket career, Andrew Flintoff endured a series of debilitating injuries that required multiple , particularly affecting his ankle and . In 2005, he underwent ankle surgery following England's tour of , sidelining him for the one-day international series. This was followed by additional ankle operations in 2006 and 2007, the latter occurring after a recurrence during the English season, which forced him to miss significant playing time. By 2009, persistent issues led to surgery for a torn meniscus, after which he developed thrombosis in his calf, further complicating his recovery and contributing to his eventual . These injuries, spanning 2005 to 2009, limited his participation in key matches and highlighted the physical toll of his role. Flintoff's physical challenges were compounded by struggles with and depression, which intensified around his 2010 retirement from cricket due to chronic knee problems. He has described using alcohol as a coping mechanism during high-pressure periods, such as the 2006-07 series, where he experienced severe depressive episodes and isolation. The 2007 pedalo incident during the , where he was dropped as vice-captain after excessive drinking, marked a low point that revealed his . Post-retirement in September 2010, Flintoff quit alcohol entirely to manage his depression, recognizing it as a that worsened his ; he has maintained since, crediting it with improving his overall . In December 2022, Flintoff suffered a life-altering accident while filming Top Gear at in , where an open-topped three-wheeler he was driving flipped at around 45 mph, dragging him along the track. The crash resulted in severe facial injuries, including a fractured upper , lost teeth, extensive lip damage, and broken ribs, necessitating multiple surgeries; he was airlifted to . Flintoff later revealed he believed he had died during the incident, experiencing intense fear and trauma, and was diagnosed with (PTSD), leading to flashbacks and nightmares. Recovery from the accident has been multifaceted, involving physical rehabilitation, , and a renewed commitment to amid ongoing challenges. In October 2023, Flintoff reached a financial settlement with the , reported to be £9 million, acknowledging the incident's impact; the broadcaster subsequently rested Top Gear indefinitely. has helped him process the PTSD, though he isolated himself for six to eight months post-crash, struggling with anxiety that made simple tasks, like leaving a hotel room, overwhelming. Returning to cricket coaching in 2023, including roles with Under-19s and as head coach of the England Lions in 2024, provided crucial structure and purpose, which he credits with aiding his emotional recovery. By 2025, Flintoff has shared updates on his progress in interviews, describing the crash as a that left him questioning his identity and fearing for his life without a . He resumed driving only four to five months prior, initially with trepidation, marking a milestone in reclaiming normalcy three years after the accident. The emotional toll extended to his family, with his wife Rachael providing steadfast support during his anger and withdrawal, while his young son initially recoiled from his bandaged appearance. Flintoff has become an advocate for , openly discussing anxiety and PTSD to encourage others in to seek help, emphasizing resilience through community and professional support.

Autobiographies and publications

Andrew Flintoff has authored several autobiographies and related publications that chronicle his cricketing career, personal challenges, and life beyond the , often blending humor with candid reflections on , , and the pressures of fame. His writing style emphasizes vulnerability, using self-deprecating anecdotes to explore the highs of and the lows of , discipline, and public scrutiny. These works provide insights into his evolution from a promising to a national icon, while addressing themes of resilience and the human side of athletic achievement. Flintoff's debut autobiography, Being Freddie: My Story So Far, published in 2005, focuses on his early career trajectory and culminates in the triumphant , where he emerged as England's key performer with both bat and ball. The details his rise from youth to international stardom, highlighting pivotal matches and the camaraderie within the team that led to the dramatic victory over . It portrays the excitement of that summer's while touching on the discipline required to balance raw talent with professional demands. In 2008, Flintoff released Good Times, Bad Times, which delves deeper into his personal struggles during a turbulent period, including his brief stint as England captain in 2006–2007 and the aftermath of the 2005 Ashes highs. The narrative candidly examines battles with , alcohol, and team expectations, particularly during the 2007 World Cup disappointment and subsequent leadership challenges under and . Through humorous yet introspective accounts, Flintoff reveals the emotional toll of fame and the quest for redemption amid professional setbacks. Co-authored with contributions from team perspectives, Ashes to Ashes: One Test After Another (2009) offers a retrospective on the series, recapping match-by-match drama and Flintoff's standout contributions, such as his all-round heroics at and . The book serves as a tribute to the collective effort that reclaimed , emphasizing strategic insights and the psychological intensity of the rivalry with . Flintoff's 2015 publication, Second Innings: My Sporting Life, shifts to his post- experiences after announcing his international in , exploring life off the field with reflections on excess, authority, and finding purpose beyond . It humorously recounts ventures into other and media while vulnerably addressing failures in maintaining fitness and the search for authenticity away from the spotlight. More recently, Freddie Flintoff: Coming Home: The Inspiring Autobiography from the Cricket Legend and , released in October 2025, revisits key moments from his life with renewed perspective, including a brief nod to his recovery from a 2022 accident that sidelined his work. Structured around pivotal scenes, it balances celebration of his legacy with honest admissions of vulnerability, underscoring themes of perseverance and gratitude toward .

Film and television appearances

Acting roles

Andrew Flintoff transitioned into during his post-cricket career, beginning with acting lessons in that led to his stage debut as Kevin Mergatroyd in the musical in November 2017. His on-screen appearances have primarily been in minor or cameo capacities within British television comedies and dramas, reflecting his larger-than-life persona from sports without pursuing major leading roles. Flintoff's earliest notable television cameo came in 2014, when he appeared as himself in the Sky One sitcom Trollied, promoting a fictional party range product in a store setting during an episode focused on promotional events. This light-hearted guest spot highlighted his celebrity status in a scripted context, blending humor with his public image as a charismatic athlete. In 2017, Flintoff made his acting debut in a more substantial role as Danny, a professional footballer grappling with personal issues, in the BBC One drama series Love, Lies and Records created by Kay Mellor. Appearing in one episode, his performance as the troubled sportsman drew on his own experiences in cricket, earning praise for authenticity despite being his initial foray into dramatic acting. Flintoff has also contributed to charitable entertainment through comedic sketches for events like , including collaborations with figures such as in parody segments that playfully riffed on his sporting career. These appearances, often improvisational and tied to fundraising, underscore his versatility in short-form scripted content but have not extended to feature films or ongoing series roles.

Documentary involvements

Flintoff produced and featured in the 2012 BBC documentary Freddie Flintoff: Hidden Side of Sport, which explored the challenges faced by professional athletes, including his own struggles with depression and after retiring from in 2009. The film drew from Flintoff's personal experiences of concealing emotional distress in the team environment, aiming to destigmatize issues in and highlighting themes of hidden vulnerabilities behind public personas. In 2025, the Disney+ original documentary Flintoff, directed by John Dower, offered an in-depth examination of Flintoff's post-crash recovery following his 2022 Top Gear accident, covering the physical injuries, , and his gradual return to public life through coaching. The 90-minute film included exclusive footage of the incident, interviews with family members on its impact, and Flintoff's reflections on resilience, crediting his coaching role with the Northern Superchargers as a pivotal factor in his mental and emotional rehabilitation. Flintoff has served as executive producer and host for the BBC series Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams, a cricket-focused documentary that follows his efforts to mentor underprivileged teenagers, emphasizing benefits and community building through ; the 2025 season, Ultimate Test, addressed ongoing challenges like shortages and player while competing in a national league. Follow-up media features in 2025, including interviews tied to the Disney+ documentary, discussed Flintoff's return as host of the ITV revival of Bullseye in November, marking a significant step in his comeback, and his October departure from the Northern Superchargers coaching position amid contract negotiations with the franchise's owners. These elements underscored broader themes of resilience and recovery in Flintoff's post-accident narrative, with coaching portrayed as a therapeutic anchor before his exit.

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