Oval Test will be remembered as Flintoff’s farewell Test: Swann

LONDON - England off-spinner Graeme Swann believes the fifth and final Ashes Test starting today at The Oval will be awesome, sensational, brilliant, and a match that will be remembered as Andrew Flintoff’s farewell Test.

“You name it, it will have everything. To have a chance of winning the little urn is amazing but as time goes by it will be remembered as Freddie Flintoff’s final hurrah,” Swann writes in his column for The Sun.

“The big man with the big talent and even bigger heart has done so much for English cricket. He will be missed by everyone, including the fans who have roared him on time after time after time,” he added.

Swann said that Freddie is simply an immense cricketer, who has a massive presence, and believes that it’s the size of his character which sets him apart.

“Well it’s simple. He’s a proper British bulldog, a good old-fashioned Englishman, honest as the day is long. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, gives everything. Fans can relate to that,” he said.

The 30-year-old said that Flintoff can makes things happen with bat and ball, and his services would be missed by the England team after he retires from Test cricket.

“We had a bad Test at Leeds without him and deservedly lost heavily. But, that was the last game. Fred is back and The Oval has some great memories for England. The boys like playing here and it’s all set up,” Swann added. (ANI)