Andrew Flintoff reveals how Ricky Ponting sledged him during the 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test
England went on to win the series 2-1, scripting a famous series win at home. It was their first Ashes series win in years.
The Ashes 2005 was one of the most memorable series of all time. The second Test at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground is still one of most cherished matches in the history of English cricket. The match went to the wire and the visitors somehow managed to get a two-run triumph against the Aussies.
Andrew Flintoff was the star of that England line-up. The all-rounder had done everything in the series for his side. However, his side saw the best of him during this particular match. He scored a crucial 68 runs in the first innings to help his side to post a formidable score and then returned with three wickets.
However, it was during the second innings, when he impacted with his performance. England was at one stage 101 for 7, when Flintoff scored a quick-fire 73 to take England’s total to some respectability. Recently, in an interview with Sky Sports, the former English all-rounder revealed the sledge which he received from the Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, on his arrival to the crease.
Andrew Flintoff was wonderful with the ball in the second innings
“I can never forget Ricky Ponting in the second innings sledging me,” Flintoff spoke of the incident during the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. “I stood there with Kevin Pietersen, he looked and he made a joke to his team going. ‘Here we go boys, look at the two superstars! They’re going to be happy with these two, aren’t they’. And it’s like ‘Jog on, Rick! Jog on,” Flintoff added.
Flintoff was absolutely wonderful with the ball in the second innings as well. He picked up four crucial wickets, including the one wicket of Ponting. The all-rounder was at time unplayable during that series. The pressure could be seen on the faces of the batsmen when they were facing Flintoff.
The right-arm quick got the wickets of Justin Langer and Ponting in the same over. His other two scalps in the final innings were Jason Gillespie and Shane Warne. Interestingly, it was a hit-wicket dismissal which got the better off, Warne.
England went on to win the series 2-1, scripting a famous series win at home. It was their first Ashes series win in years.
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