Frugal Freddie

It is rather ironic that England's most destructive batsman is also their thriftiest bowler. Andrew Flintoff conceded less than three runs per over during the 2003 World Cup, and last night he was at it again in the first match of the NatWest Challenge against Pakistan. A freak shoulder injury had threatened his participation in this series, but by the time he had galumphed through his ten overs, England were all but back in a match they had little right to win.

As our graphic shows, Flintoff's success can be attributed to his immaculate line. More than three-quarters of his deliveries (46 out of 60) were pitched in the corridor just outside off stump, and only a solitary yorker-length ball veered anywhere near the leg side. He only conceded 23 runs, and although he failed to take a wicket, the pressure he exerted caused explosions at the other end.

During the NatWest Series of 2002, Flintoff found success with a back-of-a-length attack on India's batsmen, but this time the short stuff was in less abundance. Exactly half of his deliveries were on a good length, and while he banged 18 in short, another 11 were pitched well up in the blockhole. It wasn't a wicket for the quick bowlers - Flintoff sent down just one genuine bouncer all day, and it was promptly smacked for four.