The Flintoff/Afridi factor

Its interesting to observe the effect Andrew Flintoff (and somewhat Shahid Afridi) has had on his team. I don't remember England ever playing a raging aggressive player such as Andrew Flintoff. Him and Mathew Hoggard I believe are the biggers reasons why England sees (and is seen by the opposition) the game differently than perhaps five years ago. The selectors did well to persist with Flintoff in spite of his mediocre performances in his initial outings. But he has matured into one of the most dominant all-rounders, both in One-Days and Tests. He has improved as a bowler by leaps and also played a few responsible knocks lower down the order. Of course the new wave comprising of Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, Kevin Pieterson add more fire power to the side, but I think Flintoff and company turned the wave around for England.

I remember how Flintoff turned that One day match on its head when England toured Pakistan last time around.

Although Hussain was an aggressive captain (when we compare him with his predecessors) but Vaughan deserves a lot of credit for this new look, fresh England side raring to take on the world.

Shahid Afridi also possesses the same potential of impact on his side. And he does provide that mental edge when Pakistan team steps into the field with Afridi in their ranks. I just wish he could become as consistent as Flintoff and take himself to the next level in the process, in other words continue to improve as he has over the past couple of tours.