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Originally Posted by gibbs_fan  Sorry to burst your bubble Ern but besides 2005 (which you cannot refrain from mentioning in every post involving Flintoff) Freddie is just an average cricketer. Talented yes but never delivered. |
I happen to believe that cricket is at a low ebb at this moment in time, not that many good bowlers about.
Pollock, McGrath et al were unique - I am not denying that, Flintoff did deliver in 2004, again in 2005, he won a test as captain in India in 2006 with a good batting average I might add for that series. (before injury), he then went on to win the CB (?) series in Australia as captain.
He did not deliver in Australia in 2006, and with the squad that was selected g_f, which other captain could have done any better?.
As for your general comments can you deny he has been injured more than not since 2005?, before that were the not more catches than would be considered normal dropped of his bowling?, excuses maybe - but also valid excuses.
Again as a bowler he without injury would have been up with the best, he has got the best players in the World out - that's a fact.
Brian Lara had not a clue how to play him.
His batting has deteriated to a point where he could be considered to be a specialist bowler, don't let the fact that he had a drunken episode on a pedalo blind you to what he has acheived.
He was hailed as King (and not by me) in 2005, I always suggested that the victory parade was a disgrace - and that England underestimated Pakistan after their Ashes win.
As for being "biased", biased for what - I just write what I see, and unlike many - I don't run with the hair, and hunt with the hounds.
I believe he is a top bowler because he is hard to get away, he gets top wickets - he inspires the other bowlers.
Look at what else England have to offer, and then tell me I am wrong?.
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Originally Posted by gibbs-fan Its easy for anyone to just claim that a player is the best[...] You keep doing this with Freddie without ever backing up your claim |
Not true - he was the best England player in 2004, without Flintoff England would not have won the Ashes in 2005, I have mentioned India and the one day series in Australia above in 2006,
In England last tour of South Africa - he was second only to Hoggard (by a small margin in wickets), after Harmison had broke down.
Not the worst record in the world - and if he is finished that's down to his ankle (by being overbowled), not by lack of ability.