England profiles

ANDREW FLINTOFF
Right-hand batsman; right-arm fast-medium bowler

FACTFILE DOB: 6.12.1977 Team: Lancashire Test debut: v South Africa, Trent Bridge 1998 ODI debut: v Pakistan, Sharjah 1999

Andrew Flintoff, England's only world-class all-rounder, has made gigantic strides in the past 12 months at Test level.

A big hitter ideally suited to one-day cricket, Flintoff has revealed a mature selectivity to his strokeplay in the longer game.

His bowling, which was remodelled in 2001, remains tight and he is now enjoying the wicket-taking pleasures that for so long eluded him..

Flintoff scored his third Test century in the final match in Antigua, and was on course for another in the second Test against New Zealand but for a rash shot that scuppered him on 94.

Flintoff was in scintillating touch in the whitewash victory against the Windies, scoring 387 at an average of 64.5 - including a personal-best 167 at Edgbaston - and claiming 14 wickets at 21.

He also impressed in England's failed NatWest Series campaign, scoring a century against the Windies and the Black Caps despite carrying an ankle injury that prevented him from bowling.

An excellent slip catcher to boot, Flintoff promises to offer even more in the future as the heartbeat and inspiration of the England team.