Former Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist is wary of the threat posed by Andrew Flintoff ahead of the upcoming Ashes series — but only if the England all-rounder is fully fit.
Flintoff was the star of England’s 2005 Ashes series win when Gilchrist who retired from Test cricket in 2008, was still a key member of the Australia batting line-up.
Lancashire hero Flintoff’s pace and swing made him particularly awkward for even as gifted a left-handed batsman as Gilchrist to face.
Australia’s top six set to feature four left-handers — Simon Katich, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey and Marcus North — come the first Ashes Test in Cardiff starting on July 8.
But ever since the 2005 series, Flintoff has been troubled by a succession of injuries and only recently returned to first-class action this season following a knee problem.
”He is so awkward to face as a left-hander,” Gilchrist told Wednesday’s edition of Britain’s Independent newspaper. ”It’s his physicality, his angle of attack, his height. I admire his controlled aggression. He’s in your face but not recklessly so.
”He creates an aura of control, even if you get a good shot away he has that look in his eye, and a demeanour, that suggests it is all part of a big plan.
”[Shane] Warne and [Glenn] McGrath — they had the same quality.
”When I have faced Flintoff since he can still get his weaponry to that level. It’s just he’s not been able to do it consistently.”
Australia, since winning the Ashes 5-0 on home soil in 2006/07 have seen the likes of openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden, Gilchrist, leg-spin great Warne and champion fast bowler McGrath all retire from Test cricket.
But a new look side, still under the captaincy of Ricky Ponting, won a Test series in South Africa 2-1 earlier this year and Gilchrist said: ”That group really surprised me and I’m very much encouraged.
”I’m also encouraged listening to Ricky. His enthusiasm is exceptional.
”In the past he’s been criticised for not moulding a team. Well, he’s neither needed, nor had the chance, to do it before. He has the chance to develop this group and I think he is really excited by it. He wants to leave that legacy of formulating a team out of this fresh start.” — AFP
