Andrew Flintoff - Test Cricketer

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has announced that he will retire from Test cricket at the end of the Ashes series. The injury-prone 31-year-old has been struggling with injury and form since he powered England to Ashes glory in 2005.

Since then, the Lancashire all-rounder has had four ankle operations and knee surgery since then and is battling to be fit for Thursday's second Test at Lord's. These ongoing injuries have forced Flintoff, who has played 75 Tests for England, claiming 212 wickets and scoring 3 658 runs (including five centuries), to set a date to quit."

My body has told me it's time to stop," Flintoff told the media.

"I've been through four ankle operations, I had knee surgery just a couple of months ago and had three jabs in my knee on Monday just to get me right for this Test so I took that as my body telling me that I can't cope with the rigours of Test cricket."

Since 2005 I've done two years when I've done nothing but rehab from one injury or another. Two of the last four years I've spent just in rehabilitation and I just can't keep doing it for myself, my own sanity, my family and also for the team - because they need to move on as well."

It's been something I've been thinking about for a while and I think this last problem I've had with my knee has confirmed to me that the time is now right."

For the next four Test matches I'll do everything I need to do to get on a cricket field and I'm desperate to make my mark."

I want to finish playing for England on a high and if you look at the fixtures going forward, the way my body is suggests I won't be able to get through that.

His Web Site: http://www.andrewflintoff.com/

Thank you Andrew for all the enjoyment that you have given many people. You have influenced young and old with your exciting variety of cricket and I wish you well in your future after Test Cricket.