Andrew Flintoff's Decision Was Surprise But Something Had to Give – Lancashire

Lancashire were as stunned as the rest of the country by Andrew Flintoff's decision to announce his impending retirement from Test cricket so early in the Ashes series, and are waiting for the all-rounder to contact them to discuss his future plans.

"We were somewhat taken aback by the news," admitted the county's director of cricket Mike Watkinson, who has worked closely with Flintoff since he made his first-class debut in 1995. "Having said that it's obvious why Fred has made the decision – after spending so much time doing his rehab and running up Rivington Pike in the last few years, something had to give, and that was Test cricket.

"As for what happens next, I'd guess the first thing is for him to have talks with the ECB regarding his central contract. The deal he has with us is a rolling contract that runs for a year after the end of his central contract, so at the moment that goes until the end of next season."

Theoretically, Flintoff would be available more for Lancashire next year if he is not playing Test cricket. However in an exclusive interview with Myles Hodgson, his regular ghost writer, the 31-year-old suggested he is highly unlikely to make himself available for a full championship season.

"I've given up Test cricket because my body can't cope so playing four-day cricket could also be a problem, particularly as the fixtures come thick and fast," he added.

Instead he is likely to become a freelance one-day player. He has already stressed his desire to continue representing England in 50-over and Twenty20 matches, he is contracted to play for Chennai in a second Indian Premier League season next spring and he has been linked with Queensland for a potential stint in Australia's domestic Twenty20 competition early next year. Lancashire would almost certainly be interested in retaining his services for their one-day team next summer, although Watkinson said that possibility had not yet been raised.