England's Ashes Squad-Is Freddy Ready?

Andrew Flintoff’s profile in this countries sporting dynasty draws plenty of parallels with British sportsman of past and present.

His ability to pick up injury after injury is very similar to that of Jonny Wilkinson, the man who was consumed with the media spotlight after winning the Rugby World Cup with a single swing of his right boot.

He’s even been able to fall of the wagon now and again, an unfortunate incident involving a pedalo during the 2007 World Cup similar to any of the escapes of footballer Paul Gascoigne.

But maybe the thing that holds him above either of those is that after every hiccup that has been confronted by the bruising Lancashire man, his commitment and desire is unmatchable every time.

Wilkinson has never recovered fully from a series of knee and shoulder injuries since that triumph in 2003, while Gascoigne’s broken leg in the 1991 FA Cup final, signalled the beginning of the end for the talented individual.

Flintoff however has never known when to stop, and while controversies and mainly injuries have threatened to consume him he still comes out fighting.

Maybe his drive is simply down to the fact an achievement like staring in a World Cup tournament has never presented itself to him, although a match winning performance during the last Ashes Series, particularly at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge is surely close to such a feat.

It’s this drive and determination that is unrivalled by any English Cricketer means that despite his lack of time with bat and ball he is a shoe in for the England team this summer.

Shane Warne, who has previously been guilty to a ridiculous predictions down the years, described Flintoff’s inclusion in this year’s series as the difference between and Englands ability to regain The Ashes.

Despite his sometimes-ambitious predictions of yesteryear, never has a truer word been spoken from the sun-creamed lips of the legendry spinner.

Without Flintoff England seem at time hapless, and that’s why any attempt to call up a replacement has been abolished to the disgruntlement of Dimi Mascarenhas and Graham Napier.

The latter two are now heavily involved in England’s one-day side alongside Flintoff (when fit), but the almost unique contribution that Flintoff brings to the side means that neither can be considered to replace the iconic all-rounder.

I for one have no doubt he’ll be around for that first test at Cardiff, and for the rest of the series, it will take a massive injury to keep Flintoff out.

He’ll want to prove a point after a 5-0 drubbing as captain in the last series in Australia, and can you blame him?

Flintoff’s reputation as a player took a massive knock after that series defeat, as it seemed the England man had finally bitten off more than he could chew.

This year he’ll be at ease with his bowling, which has as ever-slotted right back into place, and know that after a 54 against Hampshire this week he’s starting to gain some form with the bat.

If Warne is right and Flintoff does become the difference you can be assured that 110% will be given by the former Sports Personality of the Year, even if his fitness levels aren’t quiet at the same stage.