Flintoff says his best is yet to come

London, July 17 (ANI): England cricket all-rounder Andrew `Freddie' Flintoff, who will play for his country in the second Test against South Africa that begins on Friday, has said that he still has a lot to offer, and added that his best cricketing performances are yet to come.

Flintoff, who has been in and out of the England squad for the past 18 months, rehabilitating from two ankle operations and a side strain, was quoted by The Independent as saying: "If you have ever put an England shirt on that is enough. Once you have done that you do whatever it takes to get back out there playing one-day international or Test cricket. The excitement and emotion of playing a Test match, walking out with the rest of the team, is enough to keep anyone going."

Between 2003 and 2005, when the mighty all-rounder was in his pomp, watching Flintoff bowl for England was a source of huge pride. No matter how benign the pitch or good the batting was he would run in and give every ball his absolute all.

"It feels a bit like a new beginning. It's great to be back. For me it is almost a fresh start. It has been so long since I last played in a Test match. We have a new coach, different players and I am looking forward to fitting in the side. A few years ago I was out of the team for a while and came back with some success, hopefully I can do that again, " Flintoff said.

"I feel good about my game, good about myself and my fitness. I am just raring to go," he said. (ANI)