Andrew Flintoff: An occasional sense of occasion

The test has just started for Freddie. He has connected to the sense of a moment. The moment was manufactured by Stuart Broad, the Aussies and whoever else could pitch in.

But we are on the threshold of a London Moment. It will be bigger than Lord’s, it will be bigger than the Oval. It will be the shape of Freddie’s fancy.

What picture will he paint? Will he be airbrushed?

Here’s what I expect, Freddie to arrive at the crease, and regardless of whether he scores or doesn’t, the crowds will be at his command. That will be a moment.

If he plunders with the bat, then it will be a savage, almost apocalyptic moment – and Noah will fetch one of Andrew Flintoff for his ark.

But it will be ball in hand that Freddie will emerge Godlike*, a larger manifestation for all mortals to see, believe in, myth will be no myth no more.

As Krishna revealed the universe within to Arjun.

Freddie will seize the moment, the day, the night, and all that lies within its grasp, and beyond it.

The ball will cease to be a ball.

It will be, a moment hurled at the Australians.

And not even the Aussies can defy destiny.

It is written here, but only Freddie knows how it will pan out.


*Ricky Ponting run out Andrew Flintoff


Written on 22nd August, 2009. You can read the entire piece at Naked Cricket