Flintoff, Andrew (1977– )

English cricketer. A hard-hitting batsmen and a fearsome bowler, he made his Test debut in 1998. His propensity to hit boundaries while batting, as well as his straight-talking personality, gained him much popularity with the crowds. In 2005 he was named Player of the Series as England regained the Ashes from Australia for the first time in 16 years. He captained England for the first time in February 2006 and led the team throughout the disappointing 2006–07 Ashes series.

Career highlights

Test cricket (1998– ) appearances: 67; batting: runs: 3,381; average: 32.50; not out: 6; 100s: 5; best: 167 (v. West Indies 2004); bowling: overs: 2,093.4; wickets: 197; runs: 6,308; average: 32.02; best: 5–58 (v. West Indies 2004); catches: 44

One-day internationals (1999– ) appearances: 127; runs: 3,090; average: 31.53; not out: 14; 100s: 3; best: 123 (v. West Indies 2004); bowling: overs: 837.4; wickets: 146; runs: 3,665; average: 25.10; best: 5–56 (v. India 2007); catches: 41

All first-class cricket (1995– ) appearances: 167; batting: runs: 8,434; average: 34.56; not out: 19; 100s: 15; best: 167 (v. West Indies 2004); bowling: overs: 3,305.1; wickets: 307; runs: 9,705; average: 31.61; best: 5–24 (v. Hampshire 1999); catches: 170

Awards

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2004

ICC Player of the Year 2005

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2005

He has played all his county cricket for Lancashire.