'These are the Road Runner years'
Super Fred's decision to go freelance has generated much debate
Cricinfo staff
19-Sep-2009
Will Flintoff get to pick and choose his England matches? • PA Photos
When Andrew Flintoff chose to reject his England contract to become a freelance cricketer with an aim to maximise his earnings in the final years of his career, some said he had turned his back on England cricket, while others thought he had reached a point in his career where he could choose when and for whom he played
"'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.' And keep asking yourself, again and again."
In the Times, Simon Wilde adds a twist to JFK's famous line
In the Times, Simon Wilde adds a twist to JFK's famous line
"If Fred suddenly starts saying 'I won't go to Bangladesh and I won't play in the Pakistan series but I will go to Australia and go to the World Cup' - that's when it becomes dicey."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan sees potential difficulties ahead
Former England captain Michael Vaughan sees potential difficulties ahead
"It's the way they want to play their cricket [and] you can't begrudge the players for doing that, especially someone like Flintoff who's played 70-odd Test matches and it's his body that's basically forced him into retirement from Test cricket."
Australia captain Ricky Ponting expects other players to follow suit
Australia captain Ricky Ponting expects other players to follow suit
"If Freddie is committed to playing for England he's still a great asset for us in the shortest forms of the game."
Andrew Strauss hopes he won't lose Flintoff too soon
Andrew Strauss hopes he won't lose Flintoff too soon
"His move does not herald the era of the freelance mercenary, moving magnet-like to whichever franchise pays the most."
Former England captain Mike Atherton believes international competition is where reputations that franchises are after are made
Former England captain Mike Atherton believes international competition is where reputations that franchises are after are made
"I would find it odd if anyone thought it a wise move to throw money towards damaged goods with a relatively modest T20 record before they had seen evidence of fitness."
Guardian columnist Mike Selvey doubts whether an injury-racked Flintoff will be much in demand
Guardian columnist Mike Selvey doubts whether an injury-racked Flintoff will be much in demand
"He's given England plenty over the years. We're talking about a two-time Ashes winner, a former England captain, a mainstay of both Test and one-day teams and a man who has inspired others to greatness."
Ian Botham thinks Flintoff has done his duty by England
Ian Botham thinks Flintoff has done his duty by England
"For Flintoff these are the Road Runner years, a fascinating period in any celebrity sportsman's life where it's clear, but only at a distance, that you've already gone skittering out over the edge of the cliff, legs pumping, held up by fame-momentum."
Guardian writer Barney Ronay evokes cartoon imagery to get his point across
Guardian writer Barney Ronay evokes cartoon imagery to get his point across
"I can understand Flintoff's thinking. Without a central contract a player can also appear in domestic tournaments in other countries for good money and there are lot of options available now."
Pakistan captain Younis Khan can empathise
Pakistan captain Younis Khan can empathise
"He's had a number of injuries, and for his own good, he needs to take control of the few years he has left in him."
And so can South Africa captain Graeme Smith
And so can South Africa captain Graeme Smith