Flintoff to retire from Tests

Date released: 15 July 2009

Flintoff cuts a lonely figure walking across the Lord's pitch England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has announced he is retiring from Test cricket after the conclusion of the Ashes Series.

The iconic England all-rounder called a press conference for 12:30BST at Lord's on the day before the Lord's Ashes Test begins.

"It's not something that I've just thought up overnight." Flintoff said.

"It's something that's been in my mind for a while, regarding this Series.

Andrew Flintoff is hoping to be fit for the Lord's Test "There's been a lot of speculation over my future in the last couple of weeks and I just wanted to get it out there, let everyone know where I'm at with it and then I can just concentrate on playing cricket."

Flintoff denied that the timing of his announcement may affect the England squad ahead of such a crucial Series:

"I chatted with the coach and the captain - most of the lads have known about what I've been thinking anyway.

"Its been on my mind a while - I've had four ankle operations. I can't keep just playing games here and there - for my own sanity for my family having to live with me through rehab."

"The timing for me is right. I've had so many injuries it's been hard to come back from them.

Ashes icon: Flintoff has provided some of Test cricket's most memorable moments The Lancashire all-rounder said he is still very hopeful of playing in the Lord's Ashes Test which starts on Thursday:

"I'm hopeful I can play tomorrow I've bowled today. Hopefully there's no reaction to that overnight.

"You talk about extra incentive - I'm not sure that's possible playing in an Ashes Series. Any Test Match at Lord's is special - playing against Australia in the Ashes it's even moreso.

"I don't think anything fills you with as much excitement as an Ashes Series.

"I'd do anything to play in these next four - put my body through anything to play four more Test Matches.

One-day wizard: Flintoff wants to be world's best one-day player "I still feel over the next four Test Matches I can play a major role in our success."

Looking to the future Flintoff is setting himself high targets in the shorter forms of the game:

"There's a [one-day] World Cup coming up in 2011 - I'd like to play in that. I want to be the best in the world at that form of the game."