Skip to content

T20 Blast: Andrew Flintoff comes out of retirement to return for Lancashire

Image: Andrew Flintoff: Back in action for Lancashire

Former England captain and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff made his much-anticipated return to professional cricket in Lancashire's 50-run victory over Worcestershire in the NatWest T20 Blast on Sunday.

The 36-year-old announced his retirement from the sport in 2010 after a series of knee and ankle injuries had taken their toll.

But Flintoff, who has worked in the media since his retirement, announced in May that he would feature in Lancashire's Twenty20 campaign.

He has made a couple of appearances for the county's second XI, even playing a 50-over match against Nottinghamshire where he made 40 off 23 balls to help his side to victory.

Lancashire had not selected him for a first-team match though, until bringing him in for all-rounder Aaron Lilley for Sunday's game at New Road.

Flintoff was named at number eight in the batting order but did not make it to the crease as Lancashire, put in to bat after losing the toss, made 229-4 off their 20 overs.

He did, however, pick up two wickets and finished with figures of 2-36 from his four overs as Worcestershire were restricted to 179-7 in their 20 overs.

Latest Cricket Stories

Ashwell Prince, Lancashire's top scorer with 68 runs, was happy to see Flintoff back.

The South African batsman said: "It's good to have the big man back.

"Obviously he's always a crowd favourite and I think he will be happy with his performance today, getting a few wickets as well. He must have been a bit nervous starting but he dragged it back nicely towards the end.

"He is an experienced player and I think he will only get better as the competition goes on. He's a character, the game needs characters, and to have him in the dressing room . . . happy days."

Around Sky