The new Botham delivers

When I were a lass growing up in t'north west of England, all the local gossip centred on a defiant, destructive boy who was going around shattering windows at will. But such demolition was to be commended: at last cricket had a new Botham. The question, though, was: would Andrew Flintoff be like all those other new Bothams who, came, saw and failed to conquer?

Despite his thumping batting talent, and fast, accurate bowling, the answer was: nearly. And his downfall was nearly of his own making. Even when he'd reached the lofty heights of England, he nearly threw it all away in 2001, overweight as he was and plagued by back problems. But it's a measure of the man that he responded to the resounding rollicking he received from Neil Fairbrother and Chubby Chandler.

He slimmed down, toned up and returned fitter, stronger than before, leading England to victory in arguably the greatest series ever, the 2005 Ashes, with some showstopping performances, not to mention stepping into the breach as captain the following year. A nation took him to their hearts.

But if you're going to judge a man as a great allrounder, then you may want to consider his what he's like off the pitch, as well. Leaving the recent Fredalo situation aside – he has come back before and he can come back again - what's not often documented is his outright loyalty to his friends.

Last year, in the middle of two fatiguing Pakistan and India tours – and during his height as post-Ashes new-found superstar – not to mention his family commitments, Flintoff still made time to rock up to my old school to give a talk for his old Lancashire team-mate Gary Yates' Benefit Year. He had promised a long time ago.

A few years ago, he also set aside time to travel to Lord's to cheer on his old flat-mate Paddy McKeown's club side, Bramhall, as they lifted the Club Championship title. Although an England player, he sat in the cheap seats like an ordinary punter and joined in all the chants. He had, he reported, an excellent day. A true man of the people, and for the people.