myp wrote:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8151402.stm
Flintoff to retire from Tests after the Ashes. As much as his batting's been rubbish and his body's been too frail for the rigours of international cricket, I'll miss his talismanic aura and his awesome bowling.
Good thing. The biggest impact that Freds existence has had at any point since September 2005 has been the fear and terror expressed when he gets saddled with another injury. This more than outweighs the positive impact on the few occasions since when he was fit, played, and did something.
It also allows us to consider some form of consistency with team selection. England has three Test teams - 'The Flintoff team', the 'No Flintoff and we'll play an extra batter' and the 'No Flintoff and we'll play an extra bowler' team. Thats before we get to wicketkeeper variations.