Freddie Flintoff: I have no regrets

By Sam Hathaway
March 24 2006

Flintoff describes how he has no regrets over staying in India and helping the team to success instead of returning back home to see his newborn son Corey.

Stand in captain Andrew Flintoff returned home on Thursday to his wife Rachael, daughter Holly and his new born son corey. The inspirational all rounder was set to miss a match to witness the birth of his new child but because of the unfortunate injury of Michael Vaughan the 28 year old made a u-turn, with his wifes blessing to carry on the test series as captain. He said that "winning makes it all feel worthwhile."
He told the official ecb website;

"You might not get a chance to captain your country again so it is something I enjoyed and I am glad I did it.

"When Vaughanie comes back he is captain, I have had a taste of it, I enjoyed doing it but I enjoy playing under him and he has done a great job for two or three years now.

"We have had a great three weeks but it is very much Vaughanie's side and myself, the rest of the lads and management are looking forward to him coming back as soon as possible."

People questioned how Flintoff would cope with the added pressure but he proved that he truly is one of the greats. Freddie also commented on how he was glad his personal performance didn't suffer and how he was glad he has improved in the sub continent since last time.

"The last time I was here I scored 20-odd in three Test matches and there was a question mark over my head as to whether I could play on the subcontinent and as to whether I could play spin."

"I have refined my game against spin and I think I have improved."

"The one disappointing thing is I didn't get a hundred. But I feel I am improving as a batter, the bowling is taking care of itself and the added responsibility probably helped as well."

After Flintoff's successful time as captain, he is surely favourite to take over if or when Vaughan quits in the future. But for now the Ashes winning England captain Michael Vaughan will take over when he returns from injury and will surely keep the team playing to its full potential.