Botham: Flintoff's return a massive mistake

Former England all-rounder Sir Ian Botham has waded into the debate surrounding Andrew Flintoff's return to cricket, and unlike most others, Beefy feels Freddie's return could be a 'massive mistake'.
Former England all-rounder Sir Ian Botham has waded into the debate surrounding Andrew Flintoff's return to cricket, and unlike most others, Beefy feels Freddie's return could be a 'massive mistake'.
Flintoff retired from the game in 2009 with a chronic knee injury, and now at the age of 36 is making a comeback for Lancashire. Botham feels that unless he's 'swapped knees' with someone, this is all going to end in tears.
Botham said in his <i>Daily Mirror</i> column on Saturday: "While I wish him all the very best, I think he is making a massive mistake.
"We've not seen Fred on a cricket field since those memorable days in 2009, and five years is a long time out of the game.
"For those that can't remember that far back, Fred had no choice but to quit cricket because of a chronic knee injury that had made walking difficult let alone bowling at 90 miles an hour.
"Unless he's managed to swap knees with someone, I don't know how it has suddenly got better, allowing him to tear in and play the game properly.
"To come back after five years out of the game and with that injury still in the background is a huge risk. I just hope he does not let himself down too badly."
Latest
-
News
Moeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The Hundred
Alex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
News
Richard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
England
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
The Hundred
Nathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
News
Jofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
News
Northern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
News
Liam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
News
On this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.