: Wed Jul 15, 2009 3:46 am  

His comments come after former England coach Duncan Fletcher accused Ponting of hypocrisy for daring to criticise Strauss's side for not playing in the spirit of the game. But former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed his disappointment about the incident. "It wasn't a street wise move at all, it was village green stuff," he told The Daily Mail. "It was amateur and embarrassing to watch." http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 69,00.html

His comments come after former England coach Duncan Fletcher accused Ponting of hypocrisy for daring to criticise Strauss's side for not playing in the spirit of the game. But former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed his disappointment about the incident. "It wasn't a street wise move at all, it was village green stuff," he told The Daily Mail. "It was amateur and embarrassing to watch." http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 69,00.html

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:58 am  

changa wrote: Warne blasts Pietersen's ego- SHANE Warne believes Kevin Pietersen needs to put the England team, not his ego, first following the opening Ashes Test in Cardiff. Warne was particularly damning of his former Hampshire teammate's wild sweep shot to get out in the first innings at Sophia Gardens. "He reminds me of Mark Waugh. Junior was another who found batting so easy that he sometimes got out in ways that looked horrible, like reverse-sweeping Phil Tufnell,'' Warne wrote in his column in The Times. "I think Pietersen, too, just gets bored. That is where hunger comes in. He prepares better than anybody for games, but he has to put the team first, not himself.'' http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 69,00.html proper blast isn't it?

changa wrote: Warne blasts Pietersen's ego- SHANE Warne believes Kevin Pietersen needs to put the England team, not his ego, first following the opening Ashes Test in Cardiff. Warne was particularly damning of his former Hampshire teammate's wild sweep shot to get out in the first innings at Sophia Gardens. "He reminds me of Mark Waugh. Junior was another who found batting so easy that he sometimes got out in ways that looked horrible, like reverse-sweeping Phil Tufnell,'' Warne wrote in his column in The Times. "I think Pietersen, too, just gets bored. That is where hunger comes in. He prepares better than anybody for games, but he has to put the team first, not himself.'' http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 69,00.html proper blast isn't it?

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:08 am  

Freddie seems almost certain miss the 2nd Test, so I would imagine Harmo to come in for him and Onions for Monty. Should improve the bowling but will weaken the batting.

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:09 am  

thank god freddie is retiring from international cricket, he will be able to play more games for lancashire...........the CC is finally coming to old trafford.

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:05 am  

Fingerposts Finest wrote:

thank god freddie is retiring from international cricket, he will be able to play more games for lancashire...........the CC is finally coming to old trafford.

I don't think he'll be playing CC games, he could become just a specialist 1 day player

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:24 am  

Good of him to choose to announce it right in the middle of the biggest home Test series since 2005 - I'm sure it won't be a distraction at all...

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:40 am  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Good of him to choose to announce it right in the middle of the biggest home Test series since 2005 - I'm sure it won't be a distraction at all...

Considering a paper broke it this morning I would say if he hadn't announced it officially the constant speculation would have become unbearable

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:03 am  

It seems as though Flintoff will play in the Second Test, meaning Harmison will probably come in to replace Panesar.

It's a shame Flintoff is retiring from Test cricket, but it's understandable with the amount of injuries he keeps getting on his knees.

Cheers for the memories Freddie, now win us back the Ashes.

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:14 am  

Be nice if he went out in style.

: Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:20 am  

Fingerposts Finest wrote:

thank god freddie is retiring from international cricket, he will be able to play more games for lancashire...........the CC is finally coming to old trafford.

Have you actually seen Flintoff's performance in County Championship games this season?