Andrew Flintoff felt like Superman when training with England on Sunday.
The former England all-rounder, who has been playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, was invited to join a training session at the Gabba where the tourists were preparing to face India in the Tri-Series.
Flintoff last represented his country in 2009, so linking up with England was a thrill for the 37-year-old.
“For me it was a great day out. I got some kit and putting the three lions back on is amazing – it’s like a suit of armour,” he told BBC Test Match Special.
.@flintoff11 nets with the England cricket team https://t.co/YL8RtS6vNZ
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) January 19, 2015
“When Clark Kent goes into a phone box and comes out in his Superman suit, that’s what the England kit does to you. It makes you feel bigger, faster, sharper.”
Having Flintoff train with them inspired England, who two days later responded to Friday’s loss against Australia by recording a bonus-point win over the World Cup holders.
The nine-wicket victory put England on course for the Tri-Series final, and provided encouragement for their World Cup chances.
“England are on the verge of doing something special in this form of the game,” said Flintoff, speaking yesterday.
“The belief will grow with performances like today. Bowling out India was a fine sight. They have got fine players. With the personnel they have, they can really form a formidable side going into the World Cup.”
Flintoff was signed by the Heat as a back-up player, but an injury to West Indies spinner Samuel Badree meant he played seven of Brisbane’s eight games.
Like his team, who came bottom of the table, Flintoff did not produce his best, although a two-for in his second match and 46 in his fifth hinted at former glories.
“I was only meant to be playing three games, but when I landed in Brisbane I was told I was going to play all of it. I had gone from zero degrees in my car and going to my local gym to a 38-degree net session,” he added.
As an ex player It’s the greatest compliment to be welcomed back into the dressing @ECB_cricket ! Thankyou
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) January 18, 2015
“It was a baptism of fire but the lads in the dressing room accepted me for what I was doing – I was trying my best but it wasn’t as good as I thought I could have been.
“It was nice to score some runs, but it would have been good to have taken a few more wickets and to have helped the team a bit more.”
Flintoff was also asked if he will again represent Lancashire Lightning in the NatWest T20 Blast next season, having come out of retirement last year to help them be runners-up?
“At this moment in time, I don’t know,” he replied.
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