Happy birthday to one of England’s greatest ever all-rounders The legendary, Andrew Freddie Flintoff.

 Born on December 6, 1977, Andrew Flintoff was considered Ian Botham of this generation by many in Great Britain. Having similarities, the unmarried Botham won the Ashes of England in 1981 and Flintoff did the same 24 years later. Both were controversial in the arena and were controversial outside the arena.

Flintoff made 31 tackles per bat and 32 per ball, no commendation for someone who enjoyed the status of a demi god in England. But it has been his ability to motivate England through all the challenges that put him in a good position. Starting with South Africa in 1998, Flintoff had a difficult start to his two-year career in Leeds. In fact, Flintoff got his first run in Leeds in just five innings in five years after his first game. He was released after his first series and had to wait for a trip back to South Africa in late 1999 to return to the team.

Flintoff showed his strength with Lancashire's impressive 135 against Surrey in the Natwest Trophy Quarter final, an innings described by David Gower as "the most amazing innings we've ever seen on the cricket field". The management, however, made it clear that they were not happy with his strength and weight. Freddie, as he was famous even though he returned from a trip to South Africa. He struggled with the ball even though he hit only 259 runs in 19 Test innings and scored only 13 wickets. He endured a grueling trip to India in 2001 with a bat of only eight runs in the Test series and burst into tears in the living room at another stage. It was the highlight of his career and Flintoff was able to finish off a high-flying streak while defending 11 runs in the last ODI over-the-top ODI in Mumbai knocking out Anil Kumble and knocking out Javagal Srinath. He took off his happy shirt, in both happiness and relaxation.

He showed similarity with his powerful hits on New Zealand's next trip with 137, his first Test ton. Flintoff's best effort in batting came in the summer of 2003, when he plundered 423 runs at the best level against South Africa. Flintoff has redefined his swing action and continued to be an important part of the swighting attack despite very little in the wicket column to show his efforts. His first five wickets came in 2004 in the West Indies where he ended up with a 5/58 win over Bridgetown to lead England to a good victory.

The summer of 2004 was a golden season for both England and Flintoff. He hit 603 runs and took 24 wickets as white England beat New Zealand and West Indies. It was the summer of 2005 although Flintoff solidified in Bothamesque leather. Not only did he hit runs and pick up wickets but he encouraged his team to a high level of success as England stunned undefeated cricket champions and regained the Ashes after 19 years. After jumping on Lord, Flintoff established his reputation with 68 & 73 in Birmingham. In addition to running, speed and time were crucial to final success. This was followed by the first Ashes Hundred and ended with his first five wicket haul to re-create history. Flintoff has joined the rest of the team in honor of MBE's.

Flintoff was named England captain during a visit to India in early 2006 and was praised for his tactics on the pitch as England drew 1-1. His success, however, was short-lived. He defeated England in one of Australia's most dangerous Ashes games and lost 5-0. He did well in the triangle series with a stunning victory over the home champions.

Flintoff had been embroiled in controversy during the World Cup, 2007, Flintoff was involved in drinking beige and had to be rescued from a falling pedalo. The incident is known as Fredalo. Deprived of the vice-captain he played a minor role as England quickly withdrew. Flintoff suffered a series of injuries in his career. He managed to break through the power to defeat the other Aussies in 2009, but it was the last time anyone saw Flintoff in his whites. Flintoff announced his retirement from all forms of sport in September, 2010. He then turned to Professional Boxing in 2012 and beat Richard Dawson of the United States.