Justin Langer on Flintoff [2008]
From BBC.com Sports Page :-
Justin Langer's Somerset column [2008]
By Justin Langer
Former Australia batsman and Somerset captain
I was shocked at the ferocity of the Flintoff onslaught at Old Trafford
If I was the sole selector of the England Test team, Andrew Flintoff could bat at number 11 if it meant playing him.
Since the 2005 Ashes series, it has been my strong opinion that he is the best fast bowler currently playing international cricket - he must play in England's first XI.
In many ways it is a luxury to have the gladiatorial Lancastrian batting at number six and acting as the fourth bowler.
There have been whispers that he needs to score runs to scrape into the England line-up.
But I have never known Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh or Glenn McGrath having to score runs to be selected.
There is no doubt Flintoff is a more talented all-round cricketer than the three legends I have just named, but he is in equal company when it comes to delivering a cricket ball.
Only last week I padded up against Lancashire in the County Championship for Somerset and I can say first hand that Flintoff is absolutely ready to be picked for the first Test against New Zealand even if he's picked as a lower order #7 Batsman below Ambrose & 4th Pace Bowling Option with Sidebottom, the Swinger Anderson & the talented Broad.
One of the joys of retiring from international cricket was knowing that I wouldn't be peppered by the world's best fast bowlers ever again.
This in mind, I was shocked at the ferocity of the Flintoff onslaught at Old Trafford.
As I kept saying to him, I could have understood if I was batting with Matthew Hayden and wearing a green Australia helmet with a kangaroo and emu embroidered on the front.
Flintoff's spell for Lancashire was just as ferocious as any from the Ashes
Instead, I was in a red Somerset helmet with Marcus Trescothick partnering me, so if I was ever in for a reprieve from England's best fast bowler then surely that would have been the time.
History will suggest this couldn't have been further from the truth.
For about an hour I could have been in the boxing ring with Joe Calzaghe and by the end of it I had literally copped a hammering.
My ribs, elbow and chest were so bruised I could have been confused for Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas!
Both Marcus and I agreed his spell was one of the great ones either of us had ever faced and while it was ugly - and at times intimidating - it is what we miss about playing international cricket on its toughest days.
The thing that distinguishes Flintoff from the rest is every time the captain throws him the ball, the opposition team sit on the edge of their seats hoping he doesn't destroy the game during his spell.
Last week at Old Trafford was no different as if Australia were playing an Ashes Test match.
The opposition may have been different - but the feeling was identical.
There is no doubt the big fiery quick must prove his fitness but, from what I have seen, he is ready and he would be in my team every single day of the week.
He had that hungry look in his eye and a hungry and inspired legend must be selected every time they are fit because they simply win games by their presence and skill.
From Somerset,
JL
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